p. 292 | DISTRESS OF NATIONS by George Thompson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, May 12, 1885

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 19

DISTRESS OF NATIONS.

By George Thompson

BY GEORGE THOMPSON.

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and moon, and in the stars, and upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity.” Luke 21:25. That these words of our Saviour are having complete fulfillment at the present time, there is no doubt. Russia, England, France, China, Canada, Italy, Turkey, India, Australia, Africa, feeling the effects of war, and are perplexed by dynamite, Nihilism, and Socialism, with their breath, are causing “distress” and “perplexity” throughout the world. The spark of war, once kindled, will bring a rapid fulfillment of Joel 3:2. Is not the Saviour at the door? Jesus said that when we see these things come to pass, we might know that he was at the door. Luke 21:31; Mark 13:26; Matt. 24:33.

It may be objected that there has always been distress upon the earth. Such perhaps has been the case. But the distress of which our Saviour speaks was to occur after the signs in the sun, moon, and stars, the last of which had its fulfillment on Nov. 13, 1833. Hence we must look for the fulfillment of the rest this side of that. If, then, we find the nations distressed and perplexed at the present day, it is the time of which he spoke.

The perils of the last days are right upon us. The warning notes of the third angel’s message will soon be hushed. The Son of God will appear, and, with a voice that will rend the tomb, will call the righteous dead from their dusty beds. Then those who have faithfully warned the world of their coming doom will be permitted to share the resplendent glory of the earth made new.