Impressions of the Approaching End
GOD has strewn His word with prophecies of the second coming of Christ. These prophecies define conditions that will prevail. When the events appear that fulfill the prophecy, in the very nature of things there will come the mighty conviction upon each individual that the end of all things is at hand, that the judgment day is imminent, and that the second coming of Christ lies just before. Not only are ministers of the gospel and writers in religious journals becoming awakened to the thought that a mighty crisis is hovering over the world, but even writers in the daily press are drawn aside to express some of the same thoughts and convictions. For instance, the following paragraph appeared in the Daily Journal of Newburgh, New York, under date of March 15: “The mental condition caused among Americans by the war in Europe is interesting. One finds many persons in all places who believe the world is nearing its end. Such persons are by no means cranks. Many are careful students of history as well as of the Bible, and some of them have figured the prophecies of Daniel down to a point where they feel sure not only of the approach of the grand collapse, but of the identity of the principal characters who are to be conspicuous in the last days. One meets persons holding such views on the trains, in the banks, everywhere; and if one considers them sensible in all other things, they can hardly be regarded as lunatics in this. The religious faith of many persons calls for a grand breakdown of the world.” It would be difficult to express in stronger or clearer language the general condition in the world. God has given His prophecies. He gave them for the purpose of convincing men of what was to take place. He desires that we know and believe. Said the Master, “I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.” John 14:29. As God, through the events of this time, produces convictions upon our minds as to their all-important significance, what will be our attitude? Will we fight our convictions, and plunge deeper and deeper into the world to drown our consciences entirely? or will we yield to the blessed influences of the Spirit of God, and through His word be guided into the great truth of His second coming? Will we learn to know that blessed hope, and be ready for the great and joyful day?