The Christian Is Not a Pessimist
SCARCELY a day now passes when we do not note in the newspaper columns statements by men prominent in political, educational, religious, or business affairs, indicative of the apprehension that fills men’s minds at this time in view of what they see taking place in nature, in politics, and in society. There is on earth “distress of nations, with perplexity,” and “men’s hearts failing them for fear.” Many point to those who thus speak as being “pessimists,” and declare that nobody need be worried, since all things will continue as usual. But who wants things to continue in this way? Who that knows a thousandth part of the misery and crime that blight human life throughout the world to-day, does not sigh for the coming of a great and a speedy change? The Christian looks forward to such a change, exclaiming, “Behold, He cometh”! The Christian who predicts the speedy end of earthly affairs is not a pessimist. Rather does he look up and lift up his head, because his redemption, and the redemption of the whole creation that groaneth and travaileth in pain because of sin (Rom. 8:22), draweth nigh. The true pessimist is the one who says there will be no change, but that the sickening record of crime, suffering, and strife is to continue indefinitely.