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THE “LIGHTED MATCH.”

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 6, 1900

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 77, No. 6.

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THE “LIGHTED MATCH.”

By GEO. B. THOMPSON.

GEO. B. THOMPSON.
(Rome, N. Y.)
Under this heading the New York World, in an editorial, says:—
The scent of battle in South Africa fills the air of civilization. A world that was talking of, and hoping for, universal peace only three months ago, is sharpening the sword and unlimbering the gun in preparation for universal war. . . . A lighted match has been thrown into the vast powder magazine.
This sounds like Armageddon. And, truly, this terrible time hastens greatly. Years ago the Lord, through the Spirit of Prophecy, said, “When England does declare war, all nations will have an interest of their own to serve, and there will be general war, general confusion.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, page 259.
Whether or not the present disturbance in South Africa in which England finds herself involved is the fulfillment of this I leave for the reader to settle; but from these words it is clear that England is the pivotal nation over which the matter of universal war or peace will finally turn.
  • All the nations are watching her, and her declaration of war will be the “lighted match” thrown into the magazine, the explosion of which will convulse the world, bringing misery to millions.
In the same paper, under the heading, “Wars and Rumors of War,” the editor proceeds to give us an idea of the way the nations are scenting the smoke of battle, and preparing for the dreadful, yet irresistible conflict. He says:—
Very strenuous war is on in South Africa with serious menace of the “black peril” to add to its horrors. . . .
Japan is excited over Russian aggression in Corea and China, and rumor has it that she is seeking European and American alliances to check it. Meantime a great American fleet is concentrating in the South Pacific, for what purpose nobody knows, though our government is actively demanding the “open door.”
France is hurrying troops into that part of China which she controls.
Italy, in spite of her strained finances, has decided not to send her fleets to winter quarters this year as she usually does.
The British Channel fleet sailed for Gibraltar in strict war formation, and the ships there keep their men night and day at the guns, with ammunition ready and search-lights in operation, as if active war was on.
Russia, Germany, and Spain are reported to be in consultation, with a view to the occupation of Ceuta, opposite Gibraltar—a thing that would mean war, instant and terrible.
These are the facts. “The times are out of joint.”
The world is reading the handwriting. They see the mighty storm coming, and realize that they are powerless to arrest its fury but little longer. Truly, these are ominous times. The perils of the last days are here. “Something great and decisive will take place, and that right early.” The work we have failed to do under favorable circumstances we will have to complete under a terrible pressure of darkness. Are we ready for the day of God to burst upon us? Are our hearts clean? Have we put away all sin? Those who have will receive the latter rain, and be fitted for the time of trouble. We need to step fast; the great day of God is near, and hasteth greatly.