To What Are we Coming?
By H. F. Phelps
This is a question of no small importance. Wickedness is on the increase. Men are looking forward with but indefinite ideas as to the future. And what we are coming to, none but the student of prophecy can tell. All are willing to admit that we are on the eve of a great crisis. Great events are daily transpiring, but what they mean, is the great question. All perhaps, with more or less solicitude, are asking the question, “What shall be the end of these things?” There has never been a time, when such great achievements were accomplished in so short a time. There never was a time when such great events were startling the minds of the thoughtful. And there never has been the time when such great and terrible disasters were suddenly overtaking the fallen race of mankind. We pick up the daily papers but to read of wonders. Nay, perhaps the greater wonder would be to read a paper that had not some terrible tale of horror. In a late paper we read the following, we give them without classifying as they were recorded: “Riots and revolts in different places. Fires in Russia—also in Canada. Six incendiary fires in Syracuse, N. Y. Great disasters in China, 1000 Chinese drowned, 10,000 square miles under water, 3000 lives lost. Incendiary attempts to burn the city of Rome, N. Y. Great storm in Maine extending to Nova Scotia. Thirty vessels driven ashore at Halifax, wharfs much damaged, houses blown down, trees uprooted. A gale doing much damage at Montreal. Difficulties among the Indians. A description of the great fires of Chicago, of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Kansas.” And we add, the fires in Minnesota. And of the loss of property and of lives, who can make an estimate? Some may attempt it; but the misery, sorrow, and suffering, who can tell it? We venture the assertion that if taken in the aggregate, no such fire, producing such direful results, and so disastrous to life and property, has ever fallen to the lot of human to experience since it was first created as one of the elements for the use of man. Add to these disasters the vexed questions among the nations, which cause them to prepare for war on a grand scale, troubles in our own country, difficulties with the Mormons, KuKlux outrages which baffle description, the full account of which will never be known until the great day. Then there is the increase of the social evil, the mere reference of which brings to one’s mind thoughts of broken hearts, ruined reputation, scattered families, &c., &c. Then again the great Sunday or Sabbath question which is destined to shake the world to the very heart, and I ask again, To what are we coming? The student of prophecy may be able to tell. To those who turn to God’s word, there is light, yes, light beyond all these things, even light in these things; for they are convincing proofs that the day of redemption is at hand; yes, redemption to God’s people, to those who flee for refuge to, and hide in the merits of, our blest Redeemer. But the ungodly, where, oh! where shall they be found in that day? Brethren, shall we awake to our duty and sin not? Oh! shall we discharge aright the duties laid upon us, as a people to whom great light is given? And shall we heed the light already given, that more may be granted to us? May the Lord help us to so improve our opportunities, that we may at last receive the reward of the faithful.