p. 8 | NEWS IN THE BIBLE by G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Apr 25, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 17.

NEWS IN THE BIBLE.

By G.

THE newspapers sometimes tell us things as news which were told by prophets of the Lord hundreds or thousands of years ago. From an editorial article in the Tribune, of this city, we take the following expressions:—

"It is noticeable how suddenly and almost completely all the talk of fresh and far-reaching wars has come to an end. A few weeks ago the despatches would have us believe that it was only a question of perhaps days ere the flaming torch would be waved on high. . . ."

"Now, however, all is apparently as calm and serene as the proverbial mill pond. With the exception of the continuation of the struggle in South Africa and a skirmish every now and then between the American forces and the remnants of Aguinaldo's army in the Philippines, not a sound of discord is heard. . . ."

"One does not have to go far to find a reason for all this. The powers are in mortal fear of one another, and it is this and this only that keeps the balance of peace."

Concerning the days before His second advent, the Lord Jesus Christ spoke these words: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." Luke 21: 25-27. The fear of one another on the part of the leading nations, their distrust of one another's loudest protestations of friendship, their dread of unseen complications, their financial straits, all combine to increase the "perplexity" which the Lord foresaw, and which is not new or unexpected to the believer in His Word. And the student and believer of the Word knows that the winds of warfare are held in check by the angels of God, until the work of the Gospel shall have been accomplished. See Rev. 7: 1-3.

But another expression in the same article from which we have quoted indicates also the feeling of security indulged by the world when there comes a temporary lull in the storm:—

"These are the main reasons, therefore, why the threatening war clouds have drifted far away, and why there is little likelihood that they will form again in a manner productive of trouble."

And this sense of security is also foretold in the Scriptures. Concerning it Paul writes: "Of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." 1 Thess. 5: 1-3.

There are many items of reliable news in the Scriptures of truth concerning the times in which we are living. And that such intelligence is of invaluable importance is assured by the fact that God published it so far in advance of actual occurrence. The most important medium of current news is the Word of God.