The Missionary by Stephen N. Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 17, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 48.

The Missionary.

By Stephen N. Haskell

Present Indications.

It is probable that over the places now occupied by Australia, New Zealand, and the islands that surround them, the waves of the briny deep once rolled, as in other portions of the Pacific Ocean. There are many evidences that this was the case. And disturbances are constantly occurring which show that God's great arsenal is not exhausted. In the bowels of the earth are the elements placed there at creation, that aided in destroying the earth when "all the fountains of the great deep" were "broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened."

Only a few weeks ago an eruption occurred in the vicinity of Navigators' Islands. A vessel passing that way noticed a great rumbling sound. Soon a reef began to rise and fall; it would increase in size and rise higher, and then go down again. The sea also began to boil. Finally the reef became an island, miles in length, and hundreds of feet high. It has since sent out fire and smoke and melted lava, so that it is not desirable for vessels to go near it. One vessel attempted to explore in its vicinity, and had the wind not been favorable at the time, she would have been buried beneath the melted lava shot forth by this mid-ocean volcano. Where this island now rises hundreds of feet above the level of the sea, the water was three hundred fathoms deep before signs of disturbance began to appear.

In different places in the world signs more or less marked are seen. It would seem that nature is convulsed, and is preparing for one dreadful struggle. Islands appear, and islands go out of sight. Within a few years, inhabited islands have been known to sink, and vessels sail without harm over the spot where they once were. We are assured that there will be disturbances in the deep before the Lord shall come again. "The sea and the waves roaring" is one of the signs mentioned by our Saviour which shall cause men's hearts to fail them "for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." And in connection with his second coming it is said that every island will be moved out of its place.

In such a time as this, "blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust," and has respect to all his commandments. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;" it is wisdom to the foolish, and a sure foundation in the day of God.

Since the fall of Adam there has been no time in the history of the world so important as the present; and we cannot make too much haste in sending the last notes of warning to a dying world. We have the providence of God on our side, and his truth to send. Soon, very soon, the printed truth must fall like the leaves of autumn wherever there are people who will be saved in the kingdom of Heaven. Who will invest here? is now the all-important question. Who will follow the example of the worthies in the past who have taken their stand for the truth, and carried it to earth's remotest bounds? The people in many places are prepared for the reception of the truth; but who will carry it? The time has come when such efforts should be made as have never yet been put forth. May the Lord bless his work, and his people who feel the burden of the cause of Christ.

S. N. H.