The Rising Power of Russia.
The Literary Digest of October 10 says that "the long-smoldering resentment of the Continental nations against our British cousins has given place to all but open hostility, and Russia is given to understand that they will not interfere if hostilities break out between Russia and Great Britain," and quotes the following from a prominent English journal, the St. James Gazette:— "Whether over Crete or over other and larger matters, it is said we should come to a 'frank understanding' with Russia. Let us table our cards, define what we want, and what we can forego; and then, by a sort of mutual arrangement, divide the European and Asiatic worlds between us. The idea is fascinating in many ways. It would be an inestimable benefit to us if we could abandon our sixty years' rivalry with Russia, and enter into a cordial alliance for mutual advantage. But unluckily the proposal comes rather late in the day. When we were really keeping Russia back, no doubt our complacency was worth buying. Now, however, that Russia is steadily getting all she wants, she can do without us. Russia's recent policy of quietly placing herself at the head of the Continental powers, and ignoring us, has succeeded so uncommonly well for her, that her statesmen may very well be content to let it go on. Even if the Russians believe in our good faith—which they do not—it may be extremely difficult to convince them that they could have got more by our favor these past three years than they have contrived to secure very comfortably without it." What to expect among the nations of earth we know but little, except that there will be strife, turmoil, confusion, and war, and finally utter wreck. Out of it all God will make the wrath of man to praise him, and that which can not be made to do this he will restrain. When his servants have done their work, and the kingdoms of earth rebel against his righteous rule, he will set them all aside and reign forever. Till that time comes he bids his people wait with patience.