Let the Heathen Be Wakened.
By Editor
In a recent issue of this paper we had an article from our correspondent in India that told of the unrest among the people there and the agitation in favor of national independence. It will be noted that Japan is cited as an example of what has been done, and they think they should rise up and assert their national strength, also. The prophecy of Joel as a whole refers to the last days, telling in the vivid language of the prophets the thrilling events that are to occur in the closing hours of time. The third chapter of that prophecy tells of the mighty waking up of the heathen in the days when the judgment day is imminent, and when the Lord is about to make His second advent. Some of the words in this chapter are, "Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles: Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning-hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause Thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord. Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision." Joel 3:9-14. This prophecy calls for a general stirring up of the heathen nations when the day of the Lord is imminent. It tells of the spirit of war that will prevail among them. How significant is the recent awakening of Japan, followed by the new life in the field of military activity that is springing up in China; and to these is to be added the still more recent response to the war fever in India. How literally and how completely are all the great heathen nations coming forward to fulfil the prophecy. The events all about us that are fulfilling the prophecies concerning the second coming of Christ are so numerous that no one need make a mistake. The end of all things is right at hand, and we should get ready for it. For we should remember that while it is the end of sin and unrighteousness, of sorrow and suffering, it is only the beginning of the unsullied joys of the eternal existence that God has provided for all who will prepare to receive it.