The Perihelion Theory by Editor

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Sep 4, 1879

The Perihelion Theory.

By Editor

OUR readers need not expect us to give any particular views of this theory, for we have to confess that we have never read a page from the advocates of the theory. We do not profess to understand it. We have far more confidence in "the sure word of prophecy" than in any theory founded upon observations of natural causes and effects, or in the deductions of scientific investigations. In this cause we labor under this difficulty, that we profess to very little scientific knowledge ourselves, while those who profess to be thoroughly versed in scientific matters are divided upon the subject; some of them say "the language of the stars" is clear and decisive in favor of this peculiar theory—that they afford emphatic testimony that a great crisis in nature is approaching; while others, of confessed ability and erudition, are sure that the whole theory is a humbug.

Aside from any supposed strength of evidence in the motion of the heavenly bodies, the advocates of the theory have one circumstance in their favor, which has an influence on many minds. It is this: the very things predicted are coming to pass with astonishing rapidity. We do not offer any opinion as to the relation of these facts to the supposed cause here indicated—we again confess that we have little interest in that direction—but we know that the facts exist to an extent which is truly startling.

Distress is among the nations. The number of those who have died of starvation during the last five years is fearfully immense. It is counted up by many millions. And the prospect before us is by no means flattering. Those countries in Europe and western Asia, which have raised wheat for exportation, have no crops, or very small ones. The people are poor—by no means prepared to buy food which has been imported from distant lands. It is with reason that the multitudes look forward to the coming winter with fearful forebodings.

In some parts of Central Asia it is thought the short crop of the present year will nearly answer the home demand, as the population is so reduced by starvation that the usual quantity will not be required! A heart-sickening reason for the sufficiency of a small supply of food.

The jealousies and contentions among the nations cause a large increase in war expenses of late years, and demand great standing armies. By such means the power of production is decreased, while the demand is increased, and the people are more heavily taxed as their ability is destroyed to pay their taxes and supply themselves with bread. The result is not difficult to foresee. Suffering is unavoidable.

Not only as nations or governments, are the inhabitants of the world involved, but a state of unrest and disquiet everywhere prevails in society. A few years ago the rich—or those counted rich—were satisfied with thousands; now they are not satisfied unless they can gather the wealth of the land into their hands, and count their possessions by millions. By such a monopoly of wealth the number of the poor is increased, who, in turn, are not satisfied with moderate wages, or such as would be considered very liberal a few years ago, but wish to grow quickly rich, without capital to begin with, and to spend much in superfluities and rioting, expecting their real wants to be supplied by the government or the wealthier classes. Beggars, under the name of tramps, do not supplicate for food and clothing—they demand them as their right, and hold the community in dread by threats or open acts of violence.

Society is not more convulsed than nature itself. The prevalence of pestilences may be traced in part to the bad habits of the people; to the absence of regard for sanitary regulations; but starvation—the cutting of supplies—arises from natural causes; and these in turn bring the pestilence. The prevalence of cyclones or tornadoes, and destructive storms is unprecedented. They are not confined to any part of the earth. A greater number have occurred in Europe and America the present year, than in many years before. Not a week—scarcely a day—passes without bringing tidings of another calamitous storm.

Whether these things are in any wise related to the motions and positions of the heavenly bodies, we do not know. But we have looked for such things. We are neither surprised nor disappointed that distress among the nations and convulsions of nature are prevalent and increasing. We believe the time is just before us, spoken of in Dan. 12:1—"a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation." We have no knowledge of the means whereby this state of things shall be brought about; this is, comparatively, a matter of small importance. But, from the tendency of the age, we may reasonably expect that when the judgments of God are upon the earth, men will evade the force of the fulfillment of the prophecies by referring them—even the seven last plagues—to natural causes. Science and philosophy are now, and will continue to be, the dependence of the people, for information concerning the past, the present, and the future. Few—very few—humble themselves before God and tremble at his word.

We look at these startling things with feelings of much gratitude to God, for the certain information which we have given to us in the writings of the prophets. And especially are we grateful for the precious, consoling promise that, in that time of trouble upon the nations, God's own "people shall be delivered, every one whose name is found written in the book.

The world has had its long day of triumph and rejoicing against the cause of God, while the people of God have been persecuted and afflicted. But this order is not long to continue; "the triumphing of the wicked is short." The calamities of the wicked world are impending, while the triumph of the saints is equally near. They who have been troubled shall find rest when the Lord Jesus shall appear; but he will, at that time, take vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel. 2 Thess. 1.

Our hearts rejoice in the glorious prospect. War, pestilence, and famine, have no dread for those who look for and love the appearing of the saviour. "Come, Lord Jesus." Thy presence will more than make up for the sorrows and losses of this world.

"Come joy or come sorrow, whate'er may befall; An hour with my God will make up for them all."