p. 16 | AN ANXIOUS GENERATION by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · May 9, 1906

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 32, No. 19.

AN ANXIOUS GENERATION.

By Editor

THE question that millions of people are asking to-day is, What mean these phenomena of nature so strikingly and so frequently seen on every hand? They have seen the result of cyclones, frequent and increasing; of volcanic eruptions that have spread death and terror and ruin over large portions of populous districts; of earthquakes that have ruined cities, numbering their death lists by thousands, and working hand in hand with the fire fiend to lay low and devastate that upon which men had lavished wealth and art. The thoughtful everywhere are asking, What is the meaning of all this? What place does it all occupy in the economy of this world? Has it any connection with the things of God, and the closing of earth's history? The publishers of this paper believe—they know, for God's Word is sure—that there is the most direct and living connection between these specified phenomena of nature and the closing work of this dispensation. Thus believing and knowing, we have no hesitancy in recommending to our readers a book dealing directly with these things, and also with the social and political problems of the day. That book is "Heralds of the Morning," by Asa Oscar Tait. In this book of 354 pages these questions that are agitating the minds of anxious inquirers are answered in the light of the sure Word of God. Here are some of the striking topics considered: "A Remarkable Century;" "The Prevalence of Crime, a Sign of Our Times;" "Judgment Turned Backward;" "The Earth Filled with Violence;" "The Voice of the Elements;" "The Testimony of the Earth;" "The Nations Were Angry;" "Divine Restraint of the Spirit of War;" "A Time of Trouble;" "Our Refuge and Fortress;" and many other topics of equal importance. It is beautifully printed in large, clear type, profusely illustrated, cloth bound with marble edges—an excellent book for missionary work among friends and neighbors, as well as for home reading. Price $1.50. Order of this office.

A poem is going the rounds, finding place in the religious papers, entitled, "There Is No Death." This is a quite popular sentiment in these times, and is constantly gaining credence. Nothing could more conspicuously mark the general trend of departure from the Word of God. If there is no death, then the whole Gospel is a myth. Satanic ingenuity could not have invented a shorter cut to a denial of the whole story of redemption. If there be no death, then Christ did not die, nor was there any reason for His death. "There is no death" is simply a repetition of Satan's declaration in Eden, "Ye shall not surely die."

Possibly Not.—The vice-president of the National City Bank of New York came to San Francisco immediately on hearing of the great disaster to that city, and confidently proffers help. He says: "In my opinion, Eastern capital in general, realizing that the disaster which has wrecked San Francisco may not be repeated before the end of time, will not hesitate to again invest largely in this city." Possibly such a disaster may not recur until the end of time—in that particular city. But the "end of time" is much nearer than the men who are investing their all in this world's enterprises are aware of. "The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness." 2 Peter 3:10, 11.

Well expressed is the following paragraph from the Word and Way:

The attempt to Christianize evolution has been as great a blunder, and has brought to the cause of truth as serious results, as the attempt of Constantine to Christianize by edict the heathen world.

The same can be said of "the attempt to Christianize" the doctrines of immortal soulism and Sunday observance, as these are relics of the heathenism that was nominally "Christianized" by the aforesaid edict. From the former have grown Spiritualism, eternal torment, transmigration of souls, Universalism, saint worship, etc., etc.; while from the Sunday observance principle has arisen the long train of church "holy days," that only gratify the natural desire for display. "Christianized" heathenism has been the worst obstacle with which the church of Christ ever had to contend. Heathenism in Christian garb is tenfold worse than heathenism under its own banner.

This Paper and the Next.—The matter in this paper was almost wholly in type before we began on our Earthquake Special. We would be glad to present in this issue many things which we have on hand on the earthquake; but we can hardly do this under the circumstances. But next week we will present more definite statements and more photographs of the great calamity. Especially of the most stricken city, Santa Rosa, has little been said. Next week we will tell you of this and many other things. You will want to read it; your neighbors will.

On the Pacific Ocean, just across the mountain range from Mountain View, is the town of Halfmoon Bay. In reporting the effect of the earthquake for the Leader of our home town, Mr. H. G. Copeland says: "A peculiar feature of the shake in that section was the cracking of the earth. Hundreds of large crevices opened, through which water was forced, especially in close proximity to the creeks, and the large concrete bridge at the north entrance to the town was destroyed.

The newspapers are saying that "a stream of gold" will soon be pouring in from the East to rebuild San Francisco. There ought to be "a stream of gold" pouring in to carry the message of warning to the world, telling them what these things mean, and what the Word of God says to the people concerning these last days. What is the response of those who have the means and profess to believe these things?

One week after the earthquake in San Francisco there were issued in one day 349,440 rations. This means that about four-fifths of the population ate the bread of charity that day. But even in the midst of such dependence, men are boasting of what the "proud city" is going to do, on the theory that such disasters are seldom repeated in the same place.

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