IN WHOM ARE YOU TRUSTING?
WITH two of the world's great powers in arms against each other; with two of the other great powers so allied with the belligerents that they are each supposed to see that neither of them helps either of the contending parties; with one of these powers pushing an expedition into territory which one of the belligerents regards as under her sphere of influence; with the power last referred to protesting against that move, and by her protest virtually calling upon her ally to see that the invasion of this territory is stopped; with Germany openly declaring her interest and sympathy with the Russian, and therefore seeming to notify the world that what interferes with Russia's interests interferes with hers; with Turkey and Bulgaria on the brink of war, while Russia's hands are tied from preventing the conflict; with Finland threatening a revolution against Russia's rule; with America leading a "concert of the powers" in representations to the two powers already at war; with China quivering in the balances, hardly knowing whether to strike Russia now and rise again against foreigners or remain neutral and peaceful; and, besides, with all the accumulation of conflicting interests among these nations, it is not to be wondered at that the whole world is stirred at the present time. One writer some months ago likened the condition of the world to that of a great boiler with a roaring fire underneath and no safety-valve. If that was a proper representation then, how much more fitting now! The flaming brand is ready to be hurled into the magazine; and when it does fall, the explosion will reach around the world; and this the world knows—and fears. While everything is now at high tension and the world is quivering with suppressed apprehension, it is well for the child of God to turn to the Word of7God, where is assurance of a peace which even the roar of cannon and the clash of sabers can not disturb. Men are to-day trusting altogether too much to man. Nations are trusting, not in righteousness, but in armies and navies. How vain and fickle is the object of that trust was shown a few days ago at Port Arthur when Russia's right arm of defense and offense fell stricken and withered by her side. There is no certainty in such trust on either side. So while the fear and the dread of war are prevalent in the earth to-day, it is no time for the Christian to be looking to the power of man or to any of the military inventions of man to put his trust in them. The admonition of the Lord is, "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Prov. 3:6. Again: "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help." Ps. 146:3. The true and trusting Christian can have peace and happiness in the midst of the strife and turmoil of the powers of earth. "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Jehovah his God." "Blessed is he that maketh the Lord his trust," says the psalmist; and again he says: "Stand in awe, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in Jehovah." Ps. 4:4, 5. The Lord declares that "He is a shield unto them that take refuge in Him" (Prov. 30:5), and that "whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe" (Prov. 29:25). There is no safety, there is no trust, that is worthy the name, in anything outside of Him; but in Him is peace, and hope, and trust, and safety, and everlasting life. He is worthy of all confidence. Trust Him, and find rest and joy in that trust.