"Earthquakes in Divers Places"
By Editor
ON February 10 the greater part of New England, as well as the eastern section of Canada, was visited by a severe earthquake. In some sections the buildings swayed so that plaster fell from the walls. Although panics were narrowly averted in schoolhouses and other places where people were assembled, the reports give only one death as a result of the temblor. Scientific men tell us this earthquake is along the line of the Champlain fault, and that this "fault" was formed in the glacial period. It may be very interesting to be told this, but such knowledge does not prevent the terrors that come with these catastrophes, and we can not escape the conviction that in the end it will be found that the Bible story of the breaking up of this earth at the time of the Flood furnishes a more scientific reason for this "fault," and that it is altogether in harmony with the actual facts. But these earthquakes are becoming exceedingly numerous, and in many sections they are very destructive. It has been but a few days since that terrible disaster occurred in Japan in which large sections of the country were destroyed by the bursting volcano and its lava and ashes, and the earthquake that accompanied the eruption. When the Master was here in person, He said that there should be "earthquakes in divers places," with "famines and pestilences," and "fearful sights and great signs." He did not give these things in themselves alone as the evidences of the approaching end, but He did say that when along with these convulsions of nature we see all the other things His inspired prophetic word has predicted, then we are to know that His coming is near, even at the door. These convulsions of nature, and the storms that are wrecking so many parts of the country, are spreading terror into thousands of hearts. They live in almost constant fear because of these things. But in place of following the conjectures of men, however wise, honest, and able they may be, we have learned to know the word of God, and its promises for this time, and we are resting in peace and quietness. For we not only know definitely what these things mean, but we know of the haven of safety that has been provided by the divine power of Him who inspired the prophecies of His word. Have you tasted of the sweet experiences and comforts that come through knowing and believing such words as these? "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof." Ps. 46: 1-3. Our God is "a very present help." He is with us to help and protect us all the time, and because of this we will not fear even though the earth be removed and even though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. One sea-captain, in speaking of the recent volcanic eruption in Japan, said that while sailing along, he saw the whole top of the mountain seemingly explode and the flames burst out of it. Such things are certainly awe-inspiring; but God's word provides a haven of safety, and we should learn to know its comforts, its strength, and its rest and peace, in these times of danger and disasters.