AUSTRIA'S OPPORTUNITY by Charles M. Stone

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 21, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 47.

AUSTRIA'S OPPORTUNITY.

By Charles M. Stone

A LITTLE light is breaking in Austria in the matter of relief from Catholic influence in governmental affairs. Austria has been practically ruled by the Papacy, so subservient has the government been to the interests of the great hierarchy. Now Austria has taken action toward freeing the public schools from ecclesiastical control, and in Hungary legislation has been enacted favorable to civil marriages. To say that this is displeasing to Rome is to state the matter mildly. This, taken in connection with the fact that Protestantism has of late been making considerable gains in that country, is a source of deep indignation at the Vatican, and is echoed throughout the Catholic world. But the people of Austria will have an opportunity to hear the Gospel of Christ before the decree goes forth that fixes the fate of mankind and ushers in the eternal world. That opportunity is now being presented to the people of that long-neglected land. It will not be pleasing to Rome. It will not be pleasing to those who have considered the government a part of their church organization; but it must come. The people of Austria, like those of many another dark portion of the earth, will have an opportunity to choose between witnessing for Christ or turning their backs upon His last message to the world. Now, while the door is opening, is the time for the faithful bearers of the Gospel message to scatter the seeds of truth in Austria. C. M. S.