p. 752 | Unstable Conditions

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 9, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 47.

Unstable Conditions

ANOTHER big mine explosion occurred November 18, at Acton, Alabama, in which from twenty-five to forty miners were entombed. This is the third notable mine explosion within very recent weeks, and it may have been due entirely to carelessness or accident. But this mine in Alabama is said to have been one of the best ventilated and most properly managed mines in the country.

This old earth, from some cause or other, seems to be very unstable. We have rioting and unrest among the people; we have an increasing number of violent storms in many parts of the world; and even the interior of the earth itself, by frequent earthquake and volcanic disturbance, is in a condition of unrest. Is it not possible that these frequently occurring explosions may be related in some way to the disturbances within the earth itself?

Sociologists and scientists are busy with their theories, but none of their theories seem to terminate the difficulties and perplexities that are on every hand. Human theories may give a momentary sense of relief, but the only real solution of these things is found in the knowledge of the word of God itself.

When the Master was here, He told of a time coming when there would 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. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:25-28.

These words of the Master are a challenge to the whole world. Just so surely as they are inspired by the great Author of truth Himself, just that surely will this world pass into a regular storm of turbulence of every variety and kind. There will be perplexity and distress that will cause men's hearts to fail them for fear, as they are looking after the things that are coming upon the earth. And the cheering hope is held out to those who understand the meaning of the conditions, that they are to look up in the midst of all this calamity and perplexity, for their redemption draws nigh.

We are only in the beginnings of the calamities that are to invade every part of this planet. The prophecies make that perfectly clear, and we may not find a solution of the troubles before us in any of the theories of science.

If there were only occasional occurrences of an unusual character, there would be nothing about which to remark; but when calamitous disturbances are following each other in such rapid succession, and in such endless variety, and in so many parts of the world, it is well that we give serious thought to the meaning. For just as surely as God has uttered prophecies, just so surely will those prophecies be fulfilled. And the climax of the fulfilment is the second coming of Christ, with eternal life and eternal joy amid an eternal weight of glory for all that are prepared. We will not make a mistake if we allow the Book to guide us.