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I. SIGNS IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Jul 19, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 29.

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I. SIGNS IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD

When Jesus spoke of His coming again and of the end of the world, His disciples asked for the signs which should precede those events. Jesus said: "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.
In the briefest possible way consistent with clearness, we present these signs under four heads, and refer the reader to larger works.

I. SIGNS IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD.

1. Increasing frequency of earthquakes, volcanic disturbances, cyclones, and electric storms.
2. Growing barrenness of land, destructive insects, famines, and increase of disease.
3. Signs in the sun, moon, and stars.
The first two classes show clearly that the earth has waxed old like a garment and her change is impending. Heb. 1:10-12. See also Joel 2:3-11; Isa. 13:6-9; Matt. 24:7, 8; et al.
The darkening of the sun and moon occurred May 19, 1780, and the falling of the stars, Nov. 13, 1833, just when the prophecy declared they would occur. Matt. 24: 29, 30; Joel 2:30, 31; Mark 13:24-27; Rev. 6:12-17. In the light of the prophecy we see these as signs of His coming.

II. SIGNS IN THE SOCIAL WORLD.

"Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse." 2 Tim. 3:13.
1. Rapid and unprecedented increase and concentration of wealth, with corresponding increase of luxury, extravagance, and wealth-worship in the face of dire poverty and need.
The mutterings of discontent will soon swell into the thunders of a storm, the precursors of which we see in the strife between capitalists and labor unions, and in the increase of socialism. Read James 5:1-7; Isa. 5:8-12; 2:7-11; Hab. 1:12 to 2:14.
2. The increase of intemperance, gluttony, and every form of licentiousness and violence, as in the days of Noah and Lot. Luke 17:26-30; Gen. 6:5, 11; Eze. 16:49, 50.

III. SIGNS IN THE POLITICAL WORLD.

1. Increase of crime in general, and in high circles among