The Times in which We Live!
By B. F. Snook
WE are living in a time that is truly solemn, and full of interest to the men of God. This age is an eventful one, is full of the most astounding events that have characterized the world in all generations. Signs of vivid brightness are rising up in every quarter of the globe, that astonish the wondering beholders and cause them to look to the future with a fearfulness of the things that are coming. And what is coming? The poor blind sectarian partisan still continues to sing the old accustomed song of peace and safety, and to preach the doctrine of the world's conversion. They say that their churches are all preparing for the great work of evangelizing the world, and that their condition never was so good before!! Truly they have eyes but they see not, and ears, but they hear not! How strange it is that they should think that their condition is becoming better and better when they are growing worse and worse. They are like the poor feeble consumptive, who just before he breathes his last, cheers up with the illusive hope that he is much better and is going to recover. They do not realize that the tares and wheat are to grow together till the harvest, which is the end of the world, and that wicked men and seducers are to wax worse and worse. The last days are to be known by such perils as now surround us. Our Lord says that we may know that his coming is nigh by wars and rumors of wars. Matt. xxiv. We are living in just such a time. Never were there so many wars and rumors of wars as at present; and the condition of the nations does not give us any indication of a better state of things, but for worse. The following from the Keokuk (Iowa) Gate City News, gives a very plain view of the warlike state of the world at this time. Nation against nation. List of the wars which are being carried on at the present moments. 1. War in Poland between the Poles and Russians. 2. War in Italy between the usurping Piedmontese and the Neapolitan Patriots. 3. War in Japan between the Japanese and the English. 4. War in China between the Imperialists and the Insurgents. 5. War in China between the Chinese, the French and the English. 6. War in Summatra and Java, between the Maylays and the Dutch. 7. War in Persia between the Persians and the Affghans.117 8. War in Hindoostan between the Indians and the English. 9. War in Cochin China between the Armamites and the French. 10. War in Algeria between the Arabs and the French. 11. War in Morocco between the Moors and the Spaniards. 12. War in Madagascar between the Indgenes and the French. 13. War in Caffraria between the Caffrarians and the English. 14. War in the United States between the North and the South. 15. War in Mexico between the Mexicans and the French. 16. War in St. Domingo between the Negroes and the Spaniards. 17. Civil War in the Republic of South America. 18. War in Australia and New Zealand between the English and the natives. According to this, the world is in general confusion and war. No History of the past, presents a parallel to the above. Oh that God may give us wisdom to discern the signs of the times, to take solemn warning and to prepare for the things that are coming on the earth.