“AT THE EDGE OF THE ABYSS.”
By T.
At the head of an editorial, a recent issue of the New York World placed the significant words, “At the Edge of the Abyss.” The article dealt with the situation in China. Here are some of the sentiments expressed:— “This country can not do too much thinking along the line suggested by the World’s cabled reports this morning—Russia’s curious movements in North China and the jealous suspicions those movements are exciting in the other European powers. “Do we or do we not wish to engage in a great war in China, in a general European war over China? “It is apparent to every one who has watched the far East that in all human probability a vast and desolating war in China is imminent. The only question is as to how the parties to this war will array themselves. And if we are there in force, co-operating, taking sides, exciting and being excited by the jealousies, suspicions, recriminations, and misunderstandings, we can not escape participation in the conflict.” The World seems to recognize that a universal conflict is impending. It asks whether the United States will keep out of it. The United States is already into it, and it will become deeper and deeper involved till the battle of Armageddon itself is reached. Men everywhere should know that the intense spirit of war in these times is a direct fulfilment of the Word of God which tells us that the spirits of devils will stir the whole world to war just prior to the great day of God. The thrilling thought for every one to consider now is not whether this nation or that will keep out of it. The Lord foresaw what would be, and has told us of it in advance. Every nation under heaven will be involved in these final conflicts. But at the same time every individual who so desires may keep out of it and be free from it. We may all stand with Prince Immanuel if we wish, and He is the Prince of Peace. The world is going mad over war, and it will get worse and worse. Do not make a mistake. Do not misunderstand. Things in this world will keep getting worse and worse till the Lord comes. But we need not be in the evil, neither need we fear it. We should be as beacon lights pointing the way out of it. We should tell men everywhere that the end of all things is right at hand, and that the Lord’s coming is even at the doors. And while things are intensely dark for the evil-doer, yet for him who desires to be true and do the right there lie just before the brightest prospects and the gladdest days in all earth’s history. Let all the world rejoice. Jesus is coming soon, and when He comes He will put an eternal end to all the desolating evil that is in the land. T.