THE world is a theatre. Its vicissitudes are so many scenes in the great drama of its history, presenting as they are exhibited, new phases of human folly, and developing the great fact, that there is one mightier than the mightiest, who conducts the whole, and who will overrule all events for his glory, and the consummate good of those who trust in him. What intelligence but one of unerring wisdom could have controlled the fires of human infatuation, or quenched the burning volcanoes of dreadful strife, which have so often poured forth their fury with terrific madness?—What hand but Omnipotence could have sustained the pillars of earth, or guided the destinies of this mundane system, while its brightest sun has been darkened by the foulest deeds, and its sweetest joy been mingled in the cup of woe! Who can look upon the past, and not have confidence for the future? And though the darkness may grow thick, and human foresight cease to discern the "coming events"—yet in the "lamp of Life"—the word of God, the future is marked with divine precision. We may err in relation to it—but God will bring it to pass; and hoary time shall not expire until the last fatal tragedy is enacted—or the last crowning event consummated. These reflections are induced, by what is now transpiring in the Old world. We think we may safely say there never was a time when events demanded a closer scrutiny than now. The condition of Europe, (and in fact the world,) indicates a momentous crisis. We live in mysterious and critical times. The revolutionary outbursts of 1848 shook the earth, and overturned some of the firmest thrones. That period was succeeded by an epoch, which has only prepared us for another, more dreadful than the former, because of its nearer approximation to the end. Every system has had its trial—Rome with her vile impieties and revolting superstitions, has had her day, and now the time of her end is at hand—her destiny is written in mourning, and lamentation and woe. What has the reign of infidelity been, but a reign of terror?—its history is written in the annals of the French Revolution. The popular voice may shout democracy, and clamor for equal rights. But what is liberty with the fetters still binding—what is freedom to those, whom the Son of God has not made free. Popery had its trial, and humanity was crushed. Infidelity in all its phases is only a blot on the page of history. Democracy may come to the rescue, but in vain—the human mind is not fitted for it; and the only hope of the world are those manifestations of God's government, which He will develope in his own way, time and manner. For those we now look. We will not at present hazard an opinion on what will transpire—let age and long experience speak. But on some things we may be permitted to remark—The chords of political power are bursting asunder, and the masses are breaking loose from earthly restraint. A new order of things must be introduced, for society in its present organization has become insane. In this perhaps we exceed the bounds of youthful modesty, but we feel impelled to give utterance to sentiments which we have learned from the Gospel. Whether the events to52transpire, be the universal spread of inspired truth, or the mightier manifestations of the judgment day, we cannot determine; but of one thing we are certain:—"Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and they that forsake the Lord shall be consumed." Let the results be as they may—Christians have a duty. *
If ever there was a time when those at ease in Zion needed to fear the woe of God, it is now. O where are the Christians that can lay up their treasures on earth, while the Bridegroom tarrieth—while the Judge is at the door! The work of an age seems crowded into a day, and the whitened harvest field calls for labor of every kind. Zion's watchmen have no time to slumber now. "What of the night?" is the inquiry on every side. The stewards of God—to whom have been committed the Lord's treasures, should wisely disburse their Lord's money. Not a gift in the church but may be judiciously employed to the glory of God. In conclusion: if the world stands we want a better world—a world governed and controlled by the motives and graces of the gospel—a world hallowed by the influences of the truth, and stamped with the image of God. If time ceases, and the manifestations of the last day should burst upon us with terrific grandeur, we need to be prepared, and we are not without a startling admonition from the lips of him who spake as man never spake, and which has been borne to us above the madness and fury of eighteen centuries—"OCCUPY TILL I COME."—Religious Intelligencer.