A Sign of the Times by Jesse S. Gilbert

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 5, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 30.

A Sign of the Times.

By Jesse S. Gilbert

THERE are many signs that indicate the near approach of our Lord. The "fig tree" is putting forth its leaves, as a token that summer is nigh. Luke 21 : 29-31. There is one sign of our times to which I would call special attention. I refer to lawlessness. That this is to characterize the closing days of this dispensation is very clearly marked out in Scripture. Men are to be "truce-breakers, disobedient to parents, incontinent, fierce," etc. 2 Tim. 3 : 1-3. Look at the world to-day. Everywhere there is a revolt against law. It begins in the family, and extends up through the school, the college, the church, the State. It seems to be in the very air.

Men are no longer satisfied with liberty—they want anarchy! The red flag waves in our streets, whilst dynamite threatens to explode under our feet. There is no sign of our times more marked or more universally present, than this one of lawlessness. As a legitimate result, murder and crime run riot. In the meantime no one seems to have any adequate remedy, and "men's hearts are failing them for fear." This state of things seems to pervade the whole world: and men anxiously and wonderingly inquire: "What next?" Those who watch for their Lord's appearing are not slow to catch the import of all these things. They see in this prevailing lawlessness a marked sign of the times—another indication that the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.—Rev. Jesse S. Gilbert, A. M. (Methodist.)