Signs of the Times by A. H. Lewis

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 11, 1870

Signs of the Times.

By A. H. Lewis

These are years in which revolutions come like avalanches, unlooked-for, and swift. Little children remember when the “first gun was fired on Sumpter.” Those a little older recall the time when none but “half-crazy” dreamers dared to predict any such change in American politics within a century as has taken place within a decade. Three months ago, men talked about the possibility of a war in Europe. The cloud gathered there in an hour. The first shock of the storm is over. Haughty Napoleon, and that poor old man, the “Infallible,” lie in the dust together. Tortured France struggles for a better government, while a victorious foe tightens his grasp upon her throat, dictates peace at the gates of her capital. Rome is surrendered, and the long-delayed dream of “Italian unity” is changing to reality. The “Sublime Porte” is arming hastily, and self-reliant Russia threatens war, lest Germany become too strong, and the traditional “balance of power” be lost. Between these greater events of this decade, are sandwiched scores of lesser ones, which pass unregarded, while the world holds its breath in wonder at the scenes amid which things whirl along.

These political revolutions are preparing the way for corresponding ones in religion. The thoughts relative to the establishment of the papal power in the United States, which we expressed three weeks ago, are being confirmed by the events of each day. The means for successfully opposing such a result, are wanting. The internal religious life of “orthodox” Protestantism grows weaker daily. It fares badly, being ground between the upper millstone of Spiritualism and the nether one of Rationalism, while its own compromises weaken and drag backward toward the papacy. Thus the true spiritual power of American Protestantism is steadily lessening, while the growing tendency toward a practical union of Church and State, affords a powerful impulse in the wrong direction.

If the currents of the world were sent back a few years, Mexico might open a door to the fleeing “Infallible One,” and offer a hope of temporal power with royal surroundings. But the tragic fate of Maximilian is too close at hand, and the people have tasted too deeply of Republicanism, to accept or permit another monarchy. A few years ago, they might have done this through religious allegiance; but that day is also passed. We are assured by a friend—Wm. B. Maxson, Esq., Plainfield, N. J.—who has lately spent some months in Mexico, that the best minds and the most earnest hearts, in both political and religious circles, are joining in what is called the “Protestant movement.” At least twenty congregations in the city of Mexico are worshiping with primitive Christian simplicity, and gathering daily from among all ranks of the people those who “hear the word gladly.”

Thus the influences at home and abroad combine to turn the tide of papal influence into the United States, and our disordered and weakened religious life gives great promise of its success.

Amid the din of this increasing storm, there are voices of hope for the cause of the Sabbath. Through these hurtling clouds, there come gleams of light. The Sabbath will be accepted only when the Sunday dies. Sunday will die, as all great errors die, by that reaction which comes whenever, like “vaulting ambition,” they overleap themselves. To bring this about, Sunday must meet with vigorous opposition, such as will arouse its pride and its ire. The elements of such an opposition are at work in the United States—are growing rapidly.

Thus, in ways unseen by men, God has prepared the channels, and is pouring the influences upon these shores, which are to make this the theater of a grand struggle on the Sabbath question. It is blessed to be accounted worthy of a place among those who stand for the truth.—A. H. LEWIS, in Sabbath Recorder.