Signs of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 9. (3/2/1915)

Signs of the Times

Mar 2, 1915

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Mar 2, 1915

“STORMY WIND FULFILLING HIS WORD”

The Problem of Earthquakes, Tornadoes, and General Storms

The Vivid Language of Prophets upon the Subject

Ruin Wrought by the Earthquake January 13, 1915, in Avezzano, Italy
The scene is in what was formerly the main street, and is an indication of how completely the town was demolished. The arrow indicates a spot where forty people perished. — Ruin Wrought by the Earthquake January 13, 1915, in Avezzano, Italy The scene is in what was formerly the main street, and is an indication of how completely the town was demolished. The arrow indicates a spot where forty people perished.

The psalmist speaks of “fire, and hail; snow, and vapors; stormy wind fulfilling His word.” Ps. 148:8. There is something about the storm, the earthquake, and other abnormal conditions in nature, that causes men to think as nothing else will. Sometimes the storm or the earthquake may come as a direct judgment from God; sometimes He may permit these to come without directly causing them; but in either case, His purpose is that men should stop and think soberly and seriously of their dependence upon Him for the very air they breathe and for all the comforts and blessings they enjoy.

The Purpose of Judgments

Isaiah declares: “When Thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord.” Isa. 26:9, 10. In other words, when men are engrossed in their sins and injustice, and while everything is moving smoothly for them, they do not stop to consider the ways of righteousness. They do not recognize the end in destruction toward which they are rushing. Hence God may send judgments; and when we view them rightly, they are really blessings in disguise.

We are living in days that are unprecedented for violent storms and earthquakes. Only a few days ago, a large portion of Italy was destroyed by a violent earthquake shock. Since the beginning of this century, we have had earthquakes and fires that have wrought fearful havoc in San Francisco, in Valparaiso, in Jamaica, in Mexico, in Japan, in Turkey, in Italy and elsewhere. There have been occasional earthquakes and storms all through the history of the world, but never have they followed one another in such rapid succession or been so destructive as during recent years. The occurrences mean something, and the inhabitants of the world should think soberly concerning them. God’s design is that when His judgments are in the land, the people shall learn righteousness. The Lord assures us that He does not afflict willingly.

Stormy Conditions to Prevail

Many, many scriptures speak of the stormy conditions that will prevail toward the end of this world’s career of sin, and just before the second coming of Christ. The Master tells us: “There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:25-27.

In a definite way that would be impossible without perfect foreknowledge, the Lord tells us that there shall be signs in the sun and in the moon and in the stars, and also a roaring of the sea and the waves. There has always been a roaring of the sea and the waves; hence when this prophecy is fulfilled, there will be storms that will cause a commotion greater than anything that has been seen before, and this will carry with it the conviction that the day of Judgment is right at hand.

The greatness of these extraordinary signs in the elements is graphically described in verse 11 of this same chapter of Luke: “And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” Here are “signs from heaven,” and “great signs” so unmistakably clear that all not only may see, but must see; and seeing them, they cannot escape the conviction of what they mean.

Both Distress and Deliverance

Upon this same point of disturbance in the elements the prophet Joel says: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.” Joel 2:28-32.

Note particularly that the foregoing scripture states that all these great signs in the sun, the moon, and the earth are to appear before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.

Peter quotes this prophecy of Joel in full in Acts 2:16-21. He makes clear beyond the opportunity for doubt just when the prophecy applies, for he says “it shall come to pass in the last days” that all these things will be seen. So then the last days are to be especially distinguished by “wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.” And as these things are seen, the conviction deepens that the great and terrible day of the Lord is right at hand.

Because of Iniquity

Isaiah testifies to the condition of the elements in the last days in language quite as forcible and pointed as that of Joel. He says: “Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man’s hand shall melt: and they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of His fierce anger.” Isa. 13:6-13.

This scripture also points to the time when the day of the Lord is at hand. It calls attention to the judgments that are spreading their terrors everywhere. It shows that these judgments are sent because of the iniquity, the arrogance, the pride, and the haughtiness of the people. These things have made it necessary for the Lord to pronounce the decree, “I will punish the world for their evil,” and “destroy the sinners thereof out of it.” And do not fail to observe that this scripture says, “I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of His fierce anger.”

Thus this prophecy forewarns us of a very great commotion in the heavens and the earth when the great day of the Lord is imminent.

A Thrilling Forecast

Read a further testimony from Isaiah: “Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the tender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word. The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. . . . “From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me! the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously. Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth. And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake. The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall punish the host of the high ones that are on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth. And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited. Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before His ancients gloriously.” Isa. 24:1-6, 16-23.

A SCENE IN AVEZZANO, ITALY
This indicates how completely the town was destroyed by the earthquake of January 13, 1915 — A SCENE IN AVEZZANO, ITALY This indicates how completely the town was destroyed by the earthquake of January 13, 1915

Again in this scripture is the great sinfulness of the earth’s closing days presented. “The earth also is defiled,” “because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant,” says the prophet. He states also that “the treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yea, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.” And speaking of the earth, he says, “The transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it.”

These Judgments Are General

Do not fail to observe that this scripture adds its testimony to the fact that the elements will be raging at the close of time. Observe its thrilling statement, “Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down.” And again, “The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word.” And then the following startling statement: “Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are upon thee, O inhabitant of the earth. And it shall come to pass, that he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake. The earth is utterly broken down, the earth is clean dissolved, the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard.”

When the Lord is making the world “empty” and “waste,” and is turning it “upside down”; when the very “foundations of the earth do shake”; when it is “utterly broken down” and “clean dissolved”; when it is “moved exceedingly”; when “the earth shall reel to and fro” like the unsteady movements of a drunkard, and “shall be removed like a cottage,”—surely then there will be a raging of the elements which will strike with terror every soul that is not safely anchored to the Rock of Ages.

Who has not been impressed, when observing the fury of our modern hurricanes, tidal waves, and tornadoes, that these mighty storms, growing, as they are, so much more violent and frequent, are surely the beginning of the fulfillment of these prophetic utterances? And while the foundations of the earth are shaking under our feet, who has not felt the conviction that God is dealing in earnest with the children of men?

There are many other scriptures which speak of these storm conditions that will prevail during the last days. And one of the strongest evidences, to each individual, that we are in that time, is the profound conviction which settles over the strongest of men, that some great event is hanging over this world. Such an event is truly impending; and when it arrives, it will bring doom and eternal destruction to those who are not prepared for it. But O, what a day of joy and glory it will be for those who are ready to meet their returning Lord!

The Christian Life

By William Covert

THE Christian is represented as dead to sin, but alive to God. He is freed, or justified, from sin. Sin does not have dominion over him. He owes no allegiance to sin, for sin has no claims upon him.

The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has released him from the law of sin and death. His treasure and affections are above, and therefore beyond the danger zone. That which he holds most dear, bad men could not use, and so he has no fear of what robbers can do. The fires cannot burn his riches up, nor can any kind of desolation do damage to them.

The reader will do well to investigate these assets, and transfer all that seems most dear, so that his possessions may be safe in the bank of life.

WILLIAM COVERT.

THE GREATEST OF TREASURES

By Ellen G. White

How They Are Obtained — A Personal, Determined Search Required — Only a Small Portion on the Surface — Heaven Itself May Be Explored

By MRS. E. G. WHITE

“The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” Matt. 13: 44.

In ancient times, it was customary for men to hide their treasures in the earth. Thefts and robberies were frequent. And whenever there was a change in the ruling power, those who had large possessions were liable to be put under heavy tribute. Moreover, the country was in constant danger of invasion by marauding armies. As a consequence, the rich endeavored to preserve their wealth by concealing it, and the earth was looked upon as a safe hiding place. But often the place of concealment was forgotten. Death might claim the owner, imprisonment or exile might separate him from his treasure, and the wealth he had taken such pains to preserve was left for the fortunate finder. In Christ’s day, it was not uncommon to discover, in neglected land, old coins and ornaments of gold and silver.

THE BURIED TREASURE UNEARTHED

A man hires land to cultivate, and as the oxen plow the soil, buried treasure is unearthed. As the man discovers this treasure, he sees that a fortune is within his reach. Restoring the gold to its hiding place, he returns to his home and sells all that he has, in order to purchase the field containing the treasure. His family and his neighbors think that he is acting like a madman. Looking on the field, they see no value in the neglected soil. But the man knows what he is doing; and when he has a title to the field, he searches every part of it to find the treasure that he has secured.

This parable illustrates the value of the heavenly treasure, and the effort that should be made to secure it. The finder of the treasure in the field was ready to part with all that he had, ready to put forth untiring labor, in order to secure the hidden riches. So the finder of heavenly treasure will count no labor too great and no sacrifice too dear, in order to gain the treasures of truth.

THE TRUE TREASURES

In the parable, the field containing the treasure represents the Holy Scriptures. And the gospel is the treasure. The treasures of the gospel are said to be hidden. By those who are wise in their own estimation, who are puffed up by the teaching of vain philosophy, the beauty and power and mystery of the plan of redemption are not perceived. Many have eyes, but they see not; they have ears, but they hear not; they have intellect, but they discern not the hidden treasure.

God does not conceal His truth from men. By their own course of action they make it obscure to themselves. Christ gave the Jewish people abundant evidence that He was the Messiah; but His teaching called for a decided change in their lives. They saw that if they received Christ, they must give up their cherished maxims and traditions, their selfish, ungodly practices. It required a sacrifice to receive changeless, eternal truth. Therefore they would not admit the most conclusive evidence that God could give to establish faith in Christ.

They professed to believe the Old Testament Scriptures, yet they refused to accept the testimony contained therein concerning Christ’s life and character. They were afraid of being convinced, lest they should be converted, and be compelled to give up their preconceived opinions. The treasure of the gospel, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, was among them, but they rejected the greatest gift that Heaven could bestow.

BLINDED BY THEIR GAINS

The Saviour saw that men were absorbed in getting gain, and were losing sight of eternal realities. He undertook to correct this evil. He sought to break the infatuating spell that was paralyzing the soul. Lifting up His voice, He cried, “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matt. 16: 26. He presents before fallen humanity the nobler world they have lost sight of, that they may behold eternal realities. He takes them to the threshold of the Infinite, flushed with the indescribable glory of God, and shows them the treasure there. The value of this treasure is above gold or silver. The riches of earth’s mines cannot compare with it.

THE GREATEST AUTHOR AND TEACHER

By many, man’s wisdom is thought to be higher than the wisdom of the divine Teacher, and God’s lesson book is looked upon as old-fashioned, stale, and uninteresting. But by those who have been vivified by the Holy Spirit it is not so regarded. They see the priceless treasure, and would sell all to buy the field that contains it. Instead of books containing the suppositions of reputedly great authors, they choose

the word of Him who is the greatest author and the greatest teacher the world has ever known, who gave His life for us, that through Him we might have everlasting life.

WHY THEY DO NOT FIND IT

The word of God is to be our study. We are to educate our children in the truths found therein. It is an inexhaustible treasure; but men fail to find this treasure, because they do not search until it is within their possession. Very many are content with a supposition in regard to the truth. They are content with a surface work, taking for granted that they have all that is essential. They take the sayings of others for truth, being too indolent to put themselves to diligent, earnest labor, represented in the Word as digging for hidden treasure.

But man’s inventions are not only unreliable, they are dangerous; for they place man where God should be. They place the sayings of men where a “Thus saith the Lord” should be.

NOT ALL ON THE SURFACE

Christ is the truth. His words are truth, and they have a deeper significance than appears on the surface. All the sayings of Christ have a value beyond their unpretending appearance. Minds that are quickened by the Holy Spirit will discern the value of these sayings. They will discern the precious gems of truth, though these may be buried treasures.

But there must be earnest study and close investigation. Sharp, clear perceptions of truth will never be the reward of indolence. No earthly blessing can be obtained without earnest, patient, persevering effort. If men attain success in business, they must have a will to do, and a faith to look for results. And we cannot expect to gain spiritual knowledge without earnest toil. Those who desire to find the treasures of truth must dig for them as the miner digs for the treasure hidden in the earth. No half-hearted, indifferent work will avail. It is essential for old and young not only to read God’s word, but to study it with whole-hearted earnestness, praying and searching for truth as for hidden treasure. Those who do this will be rewarded; for Christ will quicken the understanding.

MUST FIND IT IN THE BIBLE

Our salvation depends on a knowledge of the truth contained in the Scriptures. It is God’s will that we should possess this. Search, O, search the precious Bible with hungry hearts! Explore God’s word as the miner explores the earth to find veins of gold. Never give up the search until you have ascertained your relation to God and His will in regard to you. Christ declared: “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14: 13, 14.

HEAVEN MAY BE EXPLORED

No one can search the Scriptures in the spirit of Christ without being rewarded. When man is willing to be instructed as a little child, when he submits wholly to God, he will find the truth in His word. If men would be obedient, they would understand the plan of God’s government. The heavenly world would open its chambers of grace and glory for exploration. Human beings would be altogether different from what they now are; for by exploring the mines of truth, men would be ennobled. The mystery of redemption, the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice, would not be as they are now, vague in our minds. They would be not only better understood, but altogether more highly appreciated.

In His prayer to the Father, Christ gave to the world a lesson which should be graven on mind and soul. “This is life eternal,” He said, “that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” John 17: 3. This is true education. It imparts power. The experimental knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ whom He has sent, transforms man into the image of God. It gives to man the mastery of himself, bringing every impulse and passion of the lower nature under the control of the higher powers of the mind. It makes its possessor a son of God and an heir of heaven. It brings him into communion with the mind of the Infinite, and opens to him the rich treasures of the universe.

This is the knowledge which is obtained by searching the word of God. And this treasure may be found by every soul who will give all to obtain it.

“If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” Prov. 2: 3-5.

The Resurrection of the Dead

By L. D. Santee

By L. D. SANTEE

“Neither can they die any more; for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:36.

NOT in the sunlight, with robings of glory, Not in the river whose sands are of gold, Not in all nature, the wonderful story, The future of dear ones who sleep in the mold. Nature, with oceans and grand constellations, The truths of futurity never has taught. Knowledge must come from divine revelation, This be our fountain of hope and of thought.

God, by His promise, has lightened death’s pillow. Lips that are hushed shall be vocal once more. Hope softly beams on the grave ’neath the willow. The Day-star arises to shine evermore. Eyes that are darkened shall shine in their brightness, Hands that are cold shall caress us again, Hearts that are pulseless shall thrill in their lightness, Ne’er to be saddened by sorrow or pain.

God says they’ll waken, to be “as the angels,” Living and loving, to die nevermore. Soon we shall meet them with happy evangels, Meet ne’er to sever on Salem’s bright shore. Closely the dead lock the portals behind them, But Jesus has broken the bars of the tomb. Faith opes the door, and affection can find them, Joyous, immortal, and resting at home.

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