THE REVOLUTIONARY MATERIAL OF OUR TIME.
By T.
There is no nation to-day but what is permeated with material for an internal revolution. The conditions that produced the revolution in France a hundred years ago are, with certain variations, to be seen now in every country on the globe. The French revolution, of course, produced its “Reign of Terror” in France only. But the whole of earth is at present confronted with conditions that foreshadow a crash that will render that revolution a mere incident of comparatively small consequence. During the present war between the United States and Spain, the Austrian governors have been very desirous of assisting the Spanish nation because of the blood relation that exists between the crowned heads of the two countries. But Austria dared not attempt any assistance, on account of the menacing condition of her turbulent elements at home. Riots have broken out, and it has been with difficulty that the Austrian troops have temporarily suppressed them. The Austrian parliament has its “Nationals,” “Progressives,” “Clericals,” “Christian Socialists,” etc. The “Social Democrats” and the Catholics should also be mentioned among the elements that are carrying on a very progressive agitation. Racial animosities and religious prejudices and controversies are most bitter, and must be given serious attention when reckoning up the elements that are dissolving the old Austrian Empire. Agitators, each deprecating the appalling conditions that exist, but wholly disunited in regard to the remedy to be applied, keep society in a continual turmoil. And there must come a break sometime. As Mr. Francis W. Hirst recently said of Austria, “Loyal supporters of the dynasty must look at the past with regret, at the present with dismay, and at the future with an apprehension bordering on despair.” Are you keeping watch of these evidences of dissolution among the various nations of earth? And do you know what is foreshadowed by these alarming conditions? This whole world has long suffered from the curse of sin. This sin has struck so deep into the very vitals of all social life that the convulsions of the impending dissolution are plain to be seen. And He whose right it is to reign is about to come. And when He comes, how glad we will be to see Him; for His coming means the complete deliverance from all this whirlpool of strife and sin! The one thing now is to get ready for His coming. Get ready quickly; for the time is at hand. T.