WHAT THE PERPLEXITY PORTENDS.
THE perplexity of the nations was one of the signs which Christ gave to His followers to indicate to them the time when His coming would be nigh at hand. This means a perplexity which would be present in all of them at the same time—a mutual perplexity, a dread which they would share in common. This may be brought about by fear of one another, the perplexity being in regard to what move each nation could make in order to preserve its own existence or insure it against attack from a stronger nation. But the cause of the predicted perplexity is not restricted to that, as has been shown by the world-wide manifestation of deep concern over the spread and power of Anarchy. The dread of it is greatest in those countries that inflict the most rigorous punishments upon its known adherents. The dread of it and the perplexity regarding it are increased by the fact that its adherents are not known in those countries save to one another; and that it is possible for most dangerous Anarchists to be servants, or apparent friends, in the households of statesmen, governors, kings, and emperors. Wars and rumors of wars, the apparent necessity for haste in preparing for defense, the discontent of the people under heavy, grinding taxation, the necessity of finding markets for the industrial products of overcrowded manufacturing centers,—all these have been perplexing the nations with an ever-increasing power and persistence. The perplexity which Anarchy is causing is but heaping up the load which the world has been carrying, adding to the general perplexity. This is the age of perplexity; it is the age of distress of nations; it is the age of a universal dread of war; it is the age of violence; it is the age in which all these things are to culminate. That culmination comes with the second coming of Christ. Here are His own words in reference to these things and that event:— “There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:25-27. We are in the time there brought to view, as everything in earth to-day bears witness, and the coming of the Just One draweth nigh. As we look upon the perplexity and distress of nations, let us remember that God has faithfully warned us what it all means and what it portends. Then let us lay ourselves upon the altar of God, permitting Him to take out of our heart the anarchy that has separated between us and Him, so that when the opening heavens reveal Him, as soon they will, we can look up to Him as a loving heavenly Father, and fly to the shelter of His outstretched arms. That is the blessed privilege that is held out to-day to every son and daughter of Adam. To reject it is sorrow and death; to accept it is joy, peace, and life everlasting.