THE COMING REIGN OF TERROR.
By W. N. Pile
4.—Free-love. As a natural concomitant, or rather an integral part of Socialism, we have—as they did in the French Revolution—free-love. The corrupt masses are clamoring, as did the French, for unrestrained license. Divorce, adultery, and libertinism are rampant. The marriage covenant is regarded by millions with disdain. This is especially true of spiritualists and infidels. An abundance of testimony on this point might be offered. A few quotations, however, which are samples of the rest, must suffice. At the Troy convention, the marriage question was discussed. Anna Hinman said, “It is none of the business of spirits to inquire how many wives a man has.” Dr. Gardner, of Boston, said, “If you are going to erect a standard of morality for spiritualists, where are you going to begin? I don’t care if a man has a thousand wives. It’s none of my business. Let us each make our own standard, and none other.” One man said, “The marriage ceremony as now celebrated is no marriage at all. As things now stand, spiritualists are married by men using such senseless phrases as, ‘What God hath joined together let not man put asunder. When you order the woman to obey and love, and the man to cleave unto her always, you are ordering an unnatural thing.’” One woman publicly declared in favor of substituting “natural affinity” for marriage. Mrs. Woodhull, in a recent lecture in New York, said:— “Free-love will be an integral part of the religion of the future. The legitimate sequence of social freedom is free-love, or freedom of the affections. ‘And you are a free-lover?’ Yes, I am a free-lover! I have an inalienable, constitutional, and natural right to love whom I may, to love as long or as short a period as I can, to change that love every day if I please, and with that right neither you nor any law you can frame have any right to interfere; and I have further right to demand a free and unrestricted exercise of that right, and it is your duty not only to accord it, but as a community to see that I am protected in it. I trust that I am fully understood, for I mean just that and nothing less.” We think we “fully” understand! 5.—The Commune! People are wont to associate this name with France alone. True, it originally meant “a small territorial district in France, governed by an officer called mayor;” but this word has enlarged in its meaning until it now represents the most ultra form of a socialistic Republic. All the elements herein enumerated are necessarily communal in their nature. This may be readily discovered in the close relationship which they sustain to each other, which will soon appear more fully. The principles and purposes of the Communists, as given by their leading men, are precisely the same as those of the Internationale, and those indorsed by the spiritualists and infidels. As “religion is ignored as a speculative subject” in their platforms, spiritualists and atheists can labor harmoniously for the carrying out of their political and socialistic principles. The “Internationale” is but a younger and more comprehensive name to represent the principles of Communism. One is the continuation of the other. The Commune, therefore, is elsewhere than in France. It is everywhere! It is the elements we have mentioned working in unison. When the recent war between France and Prussia had closed, the Communists took possession of Paris, and a terrible struggle ensued between them and the Versaillesists, lasting several weeks. The motto of the Communists as announced at that time was, “Down with the priests! Down with land-owners! Down with the rich!” They suited their action to their motto. Archbishop Darboy and other priests were shot, the churches closed throughout the city of Paris, and much property was confiscated. It will be seen that the Commune is intensely anti-Catholic, and generally anti-religious. In the first “reign of terror” the Catholic priests were murdered and the property of the church confiscated. This was repeated in the revolution of 1848. The opposition of the Commune to monarchy in the past has always been associated with opposition to the papacy. This is not strange, for the name of the papacy is the very synonym of despotism. The present condition of the papacy in Italy is due to the Commune. The Catholics admit this. The war between these antagonistic elements must go on to the bitter end! The Communists announced as their design the establishment of a “universal republic” which reveals their aim to be identical with that of socialists and infidels. They call themselves “Red Republicans.” Their flag is red—fit name and color for so bloody a system! The “great red dragon!” Every country in Europe has this element largely developed. Italy is full of it, inspired by the presence of Garibaldi and other acknowledged leaders. Spain has it almost strong enough to overthrow the government. England, Austria, Prussia, Russia, and other nations have it more or less. In France it is temporarily defeated, but not conquered! It bides its time to make another demonstration, for which it is rapidly preparing. The more it is persecuted, the more it seems to prosper. To scatter its forces is but to spread abroad its doctrines. Its weapons are sword and fire. Witness its recent operations in Paris. When the sword failed, men and women ran about the city with bottles of petroleum and set it on fire. Desperation characterized all their movements. Despising all law, they scrupled at no means which promised success. We now turn our attention to some of the latest demonstrations of the Commune in this country. The present government of France recently executed Rossel and other Communist leaders. This so aroused the Communists here that a public funeral parade in New York city in their honor was determined upon, and appointed for Sunday, December 10. The authorities interfered, prevented the parade, and arrested some of the Communists. The next day “a large number of International working-men attended the Jefferson Market police court to witness the trial of their brethren who were arrested. Red ribbons draped with crape, red feathers, and red neckties were conspicuous. Upon the prisoners being brought into court, Judge Shandley promptly discharged all of them, six in number, remarking that they had been punished sufficiently for the crime, if they had committed any, by being kept in prison over night. The policemen arresting them failed to make any charge against them other than that they feared that a breach of the peace was imminent. Their red flag was returned. A stormy meeting of the Internationalists was held that evening, at which it was resolved to parade the next Sunday. “All working-men, women, and citizens were invited to join the parade. . . . The meeting broke up amid the wild cries of Vive la Commune, Vive la Internationale!” December 14, the Board of Police held a secret session, and, reversing the previous decision, gave permission for the parade. The procession, numbering about two thousand, formed and marched at the appointed time, and was witnessed by thousands of spectators. The Catafalque was “drawn by six magnificent grays, heavily draped in mourning. . . . On the summit was a coffin, very simply ornamented with wreaths of immortelles and evergreens. At its head was a small red flag without inscription. On the sides of the Catafalque were inscribed the words: ‘Honor to the martyrs of the Universal Republic.’ In the front rank were Mrs. Victoria C. Woodhull and Tennie C. Claflin. They were attired in dark blue jackets cut tight to the figure, black silk dresses, white collars, Alpine hats, and each wore a broad crimson scarf. In her hand Miss Claflin carried a flag staff, surmounted by a crimson bannerol.” Among other inscriptions carried was the following: “The spirit of the Commune expands as the ax of the executioner falls upon the necks of its victims.” Another bore the inscription: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.” After parading about two hours, the procession dispersed. Thus ended the first public demonstration of its kind in America of THE COMMUNE! We find represented in this procession all the prominent elements which produced the “French Revolution”—Spiritualism, Infidelity, Socialism, Free-love, the Commune! The question may now be asked, What connection has this state of things with prophecy? We answer, A very solemn and interesting one. We will now introduce a part of the apostle James’ testimony:— “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is CANKERED; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the LAST DAYS.” James 5:1–3. Much of the New Testament was designed to have a prophetic application. The whole scope of this passage as well as its connection leads us to regard it as prophetic, and as designed to have a special application at the present time. The passage represents a time of great “misery” to the rich which was in the future when James wrote. Again, this “misery” results from heaping treasures together for the “LAST DAYS.” While the prophets of the Old Testament sometimes used this expression to indicate the gospel dispensation as a whole, it is generally used in the New Testament with reference to the closing years of the present age, especially when connected with the future tense. Says Paul:— “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come,” &c. See 2 Tim. 3:1–5. Again: “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,” &c. 1 Tim. 4:1–3; 2 Tim. 4:1–4. None of these passages were designed to apply when they were written. We are now witnessing their fulfillment. James also wrote prophetically, and refers to the same period that Paul does. Such a state as he describes now actually exists. Treasure is heaped together, and monopoly and consolidation hold sway. “Rust” or “canker” does not appear upon metal continually in use. Paper currency has taken the place of gold and silver in nearly all the nations which have lately passed through wars or revolutions, and is fast becoming the circulating medium of the world. It is done for the “LAST DAYS.” James has spoken of “capital”! Has he forgotten “labor”? No! Verses 4: “Behold, the HIRE OF THE LABORERS who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth; and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.” We learn from this that “fraud” has had much to do with this gathered wealth. Fraud never was so extensively practiced as now; nor is it confined to the poor and ignorant, but is especially found in “high places.” The cries of the poor and defrauded have invoked the wrath of Divine Justice. The principle of this verse might apply to most of the revolutions of the past which grew out of oppression. How well it was illustrated in the recent rebellion in our own country, which grew out of the wrongs of slavery! And yet how much more fully it is to be illustrated in the coming revolution! Verses 5, 6: “Ye have lived in PLEASURE on the earth, and been WANTON; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.” These certainly are the days of pleasure and wantonness! This corresponds with Paul’s testimony,—“lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,”—which was to be a feature of the “last days.” Verse 6 may be thought by some to apply to Christ as the “just” one “condemned and killed,” and therefore unfavorable to our application; but it has no reference to Christ. The “rich” were not alone in that work. Dr. Adam Clarke says on this passage: “Several, by the just one, understand Jesus Christ, who is so called; Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14; but the structure of the sentence and the connection in which it stands seem to require that we should consider this as applying to the just or righteous in general.” The Syriac gives: “NONE resisteth you.” Dr. Noyes gives: “the just MAN,” &c. This is the true idea. Those of “the just” among the oppressed suffer rather than “resist.” The word here translated resist includes the idea of defending one’s self in a court of justice. Verses 7–9: “Be patient, therefore, brethren, UNTO THE COMING OF THE LORD. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; establish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord DRAWETH NIGH. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, THE JUDGE STANDETH BEFORE THE DOOR.” These verses confirm the prophetic application which we have given. The “coming of the Lord” was at least 1800 years distant in James’ day. The Judge did not stand “before the door.” But now the fulfillment of the prophetic record and the “signs of the times” indicate the speedy end of the dispensation. James’ solution may not be accepted by many, but it is the only one which the Scriptures afford. Politicians may endeavor to adjust the existing difficulties. They cannot do it. The conflict is inevitable. The “miseries” of the rich and the oppressors are certainly coming. “Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath.” See Zeph. 1:14–18. We have now but to ask if other prophecies bearing on the closing hours of time indicate such a time of trouble as James speaks of, and as the working of the different elements we have been speaking of must inevitably produce. We answer, They do, with one harmonious voice. Said the angel to Daniel, in speaking of the end:— “There shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE, SUCH AS NEVER WAS SINCE THERE WAS A NATION, even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” See Dan. 12:1–3. Again the Revelator says: “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For50they are the spirits of devils working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Rev. 16:13–15; 19:17, 18. Jeremiah also speaks of this “battle” (more properly “war”) and declares that the “slain shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth.” Jer. 25:30–36. Again, Jesus says there shall be “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. The words “distress” and “perplexity” in this passage strongly indicate internal or fratricidal strife. See also Hag. 2:6, 7, 22, 23. All these passages refer to the same period, viz., a “time of trouble,” “distress” and blood, in connection with the second advent of Christ. Soon will be the “battle of that great day”—the last “reign of terror”! The first reign of terror brought the end of the 1260 years of papal persecution, when the union of church and State was broken up, and we entered upon an era of toleration—the “time of the end.” See Dan. 12:4–10. Signs indicate a tremendous struggle between the Red Republicans and ultra Catholics of Europe. Victor Emanuel is in Rome with his parliament. The Catholics look upon the temporal power as essential to them, and will probably endeavor to restore it. The republicans are equally determined that it shall never be restored. The Catholics are now boldly advocating a crusade to restore the pope, and they see that what is done must be done quickly. The republicans also are eager for the fray, that they may destroy the hated priests. We are therefore on the verge of this fratricidal strife. How soon the last restraint will be removed we cannot say. There are many passages of Scripture which indicate the end of probation before the beginning of the struggle, or at least before it has assumed great proportions. For instance, the “four winds” (of war, which produce Jeremiah’s “whirlwind”) are said to be held till the “servants of God” are “sealed.” See Rev. 7. Christ said, in speaking of the closing scenes: “Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:36. It is the “war of the great day of God Almighty.” This day does not ensue till the gospel “day” is ended. See also Dan. 12:1; Rev. 16:13–15; Isa. 26:20, 21. We have no faith in the idea that God’s people will be injured by the coming storm, or that any who are unprepared at the time of the resurrection and translation of the saints will meet with a subsequent deliverance. The revolutionary elements will be ready for their work at the expiration of the “time appointed.” In these days of lightning-like speed, a few months serve to accomplish what once required decades of years. The immense magazine needs but the igniting spark, and the explosion is come! In view of this, what is the duty of the hour? How solemn the question! How important the answer! Let those who discern in these things the fulfillment of the prophetic utterances, keep aloof from the elements which are leading the multitude to such an end! Be not bound in the “bundles” for the burning! We doubt not that many who are active in these organizations mean well, and do not see the end. Many such favored the revolution of 1789, not foreseeing the result; but when the conflict came, they were compelled to take part. So now, there are elements among these, corrupt in character, by which the better ones will be overborne and carried into the trouble. We do not wish to be misunderstood. We deeply sympathize with the poor and the laborer. We believe they have many wrongs which ought to be redressed, but, in the light of prophecy, we are compelled to say that human means cannot accomplish for them what they desire. The attempt will only end in the destruction of all engaged in it. The only safety of the church is to stand aloof and wait for deliverance. Hence the exhortation, “Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.” The advent of the righteous Judge and King can alone bring to us the desired peace and blessing. How appropriate also the exhortation, “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned.” One of the principal causes of the present condition of society is grudging. The rich have grudged the poor the scanty pittance they have received, and the poor in turn have grudged the rich their treasures. To the sinner, we would say, Prepare for the coming storm by seeking a shelter in Christ. He is the only ark which can bear you above the surging elements. Think of the despair and remorse which must seize upon those who are left to perish! Think of the joy of those who will find deliverance at the hand of the Lord! There is no time to lose. Soon will come the moment beyond which “he that is holy” shall “be holy still,” and “he that is unjust” shall “be unjust still.” But two classes are recognized. We shall be above the storm or in it! Pollock, in his “Course of Time,” with the seeming eye of a prophet, thus describes the closing scenes:— “The prophecy for confirmation stood;
And all was ready for the sword of God.
The righteous saw and fled without delay
Into the chambers of Omnipotence;
The wicked mocked and sought for erring cause
To satisfy the dismal state of things:
The public credit gone; the fear in time
Of peace; the starving want in time of wealth;
The insurrection muttering in the streets;
And pallid consternation spreading wide;
And leagues, though holy termed, first ratified
In hell, on purpose made to under-prop
Iniquity, and crush the sacred truth.” The coming strife will be the last! When its last murmur shall be hushed, the earth shall be filled with the glory of God, and Christ and the saints shall reign therein forever. An era of peace shall have dawned that shall never pass away. Our world shall have thrown off forever the terrible burden of the curse which has rested upon it for nearly six thousand years. The saints of all ages shall have met, in all the beauty and bloom of immortality, to part nevermore. Death shall have been destroyed. All tears shall have been wiped away by the soft hand of our Heavenly Father, and the rebuke of his people shall have been taken away forever. Before them shall be the cycles of eternity in which to enjoy the inheritance which is “incorruptible, undefiled, that fadeth not away.” Will the reader be there?—W. N. Pile.