THE OUTLOOK AT THE DAWN OF 1898.
THE outlook upon the world is indeed a most interesting one from almost every point of view. The condition of things in the political world is ominous. In a way the days of Peleg (Gen. 10:25) have come again. At that time “the earth was divided.” A few years ago the great powers of Europe began the slicing up of the Dark Continent, irrespective of the rights of the aborigines. Their earth-hunger is not yet satisfied. Nearly every unclaimed island and rock in the ocean has been pre-empted by the great maritime and military nations of Europe, and it has been thought that the division was at an end, because there was no more land to divide. But no; Japan demonstrated that a great nation, numerically and territorially, in the Orient is deplorably weak, and the Russian bear, the German eagles, and the British lion stand ready to rend and devour the Chinese Empire. Little Japan, “the Sunrise Kingdom,” is watching jealously lest she shall be deprived of her share. The act of the Chinese against two German missionaries may result in world-wide war, but more likely in the division of China. After China come Turkey and the weaker powers of Europe, and then the great battle of the day of the Lord foretold in so many scriptures. Men may cry, “Peace, peace,” but the nations of earth are preparing for war. War is in the hearts of men. The war spirit is manifest in the increase of pugilism, in the brutality connected with athletic sports, in the military drills in public and denominational and private schools, in the churches in the “Boys’ Brigades,” in much of so-called “Christian Citizenship” talk against powers that are not “Christian,” while “Christian” Spain exceeds in cruelty Mohammedan Turkey. The outcome of it all is what God has predicted by the prophet, twenty-six centuries ago. Joel 3:9-16. The financial distress has been for a time relieved a little, but with no promise of permanent or complete relief. The formation of great national or world trusts places the workmen at the mercy of the trusts, and makes them but those parts of great labor-saving machines which are dispensed with as rapidly as money and invention can bring it about. Here are two or three sample items caught up at random. In 1894 the police station-houses of Chicago accommodated to lodgings on the cold stone floors a little over 300, from December 1 to 15 inclusive. For the same time in 1895 the number had more than doubled; it was over 700. For the same period in 1896 there were more than 15,600, besides what slept in the various charitable institutions of Chicago. In New York City there are now, at the beginning of a severe winter, more than 92,000 idle men. At the same time the great coal trust of the East controls all anthracite coal, under the alleged leadership of J. Pierpont Morgan, and dictates its own price to consumers. God only knows the suffering and privation from cold and hunger which will result in the cities which are dependent on the anthracite mines for fuel. But it is estimated that the trust will gather in an extra $44,000,000, to be placed in the coffers of men already overrich. Thousands and tens of thousands tramp our country roads and our city streets with no roof to shelter them when night comes, with no means to secure a meal when nature demands it. It will be only the grace and power of God which keeps such men from crime. In the religious world there are indications both sad and assuring. There is a great and growing indifference to what the Word of God says, on the part of both people and clergy. This is acknowledged and bemoaned by the greatest workers in evangelical lines. Yet at the same time there are constant demands made by the pulpit and press that the government, local and general, should protect and enforce the observance of religious institutions, looking to man instead of God. It is again Israel turning to Egypt and Babylon; it is the church leaning upon a staff which will break and pierce her. On the other hand, there are precious souls within and without the church folds who are seeking for truth and light and peace. While God’s Word is criticised, ridiculed, despised, by many in high places, there are still faithful messengers of God who bear aloft the lamp of truth, who lift up Christ before the people. These by the Spirit’s power through the Word are bringing precious souls to Christ and salvation. The fearful epidemic of crime continues unabated. “Evil seducers wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” Lust is wanton and rampant. Murder, in all his various forms, stalks boldly forth, numbering his victims in ever-increasing ratio. Robbery, tyranny, fraud, and theft are almost too common for mention. And one of the saddest things to the Christian is that indifference to this fearful condition, as well as to all of the striking signs of the world’s speedy dissolution, is received with an ever-growing indifference. In 1886 the homicides in the United States were less than 1,500; in 1896 they were over 10,000, and we believe that 1897 will exceed 1896. And yet there were more horror and sadness and sensitiveness on the part of people in general over the awful crimes committed in 1886 than there is now. What does this indifference mean? Does it mean that hearts are growing more tender and true? Does this indifference reveal more of Christ? But of this more anon. One word more, however, before we close this article. Here are grand, glorious opportunities for the Christian,—the evangelist, the physician, the philanthropist. O, the needy ones, body-sick, soul-sick, sin-sick, poverty-stricken! Reader, does it not stir your heart to co-operate with Christ Jesus in their salvation? Now, now, now is the acceptable time. Work for God, help the poor, point the sinner to Jesus. He can “save to the uttermost,” and He will save all who come to God by Him. Take the sinner by the hand and introduce him to your Saviour. Clothe him, feed him, and so clothe and feed Jesus Christ. And just beyond—it is but “a little while”—Jesus the Master will come, and the faithful workers will be gathered home. Now is the time for work.