WHAT IS COMING? by Henry Scott

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 6, 1893

WHAT IS COMING?

By Henry Scott

BY HENRY SCOTT.

THIS is a very pertinent question, and one born of the present condition of the social, religious, and political world. Disturbances and complications present themselves on every hand. Daily there arise social problems the solution of which baffles the wisdom of this world. The cry of hard times ascends in a wail from nearly every quarter of our globe, while a bountiful providence has supplied all that is necessary for man's sustenance. Storm and pestilence occur with ever-increasing frequency, causing desolation, misery, and death. Political complications and perplexities daily become more perplexed and insoluble. In the religious world there is a manifest lack of piety and true religion. While the form of godliness is maintained, it is painfully evident that the church has almost wholly lost its power. The ministry, by word and action, acknowledge this truth, and in their own spiritual blindness are endeavoring to regain it by applying to the State instead of going to the only Source of spiritual life and power.

All these things combine to produce a condition truly appalling; and there is an intensity of feeling, an almost breathless waiting on the part of the masses for something to occur that will change the scene and relieve the situation. We say again, The question at the head of this article is a pertinent one; but how irrelevant and vain are the answers given by those learned in the wisdom of this world, yet unenlightened by that true wisdom which comes down from above (James 3:17), and which came into the world to enlighten every man (John 1:9). Their answers have no power in them to satisfy the questioner or allay the feelings which are causing men's hearts to fail them "for fear and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." Luke 21:26.

But is there no answer that can be given to this question that has power to satisfy the inquiring mind and revive the fainting heart? —We believe there is. To our mind, the word of God contains a full and complete answer, and it is to what the word says in reply to the question that we would invite serious attention.

The very condition of the world above cited proves that we are in an extremely perilous period of its history, perilous from whatever standpoint you may look at it. On this point the word says, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." 2 Tim. 3:1. What we see around us, then, is but the fulfillment of God's word, and shows us that we are living in the closing scenes of this world's history. The sands of time have nearly run out, and the eternal state is about to be ushered in. By reading a few verses further in the chapter just noted, it will be clearly seen that the writer is referring to this time, for he gives a most forcible statement of the condition of the religious world as it is at the present. There can be no mistaking the application of the Scripture.

Referring to the social and political condition of the world in the last days, the word says, "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."

Luke 21:25, 26. Again it says: "Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." Matt. 24:6, 7. "This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears." No one can deny it who is at all acquainted with the condition of the world to-day. We can see clearly from these texts where we are in the world's history. The end is not yet, but it hasteth greatly. But what is the answer to our question? Let us read again. "Then," when these things come to pass, "shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." Luke 21:27. Yes, dear reader, the things that you see around you in the world to-day are but omens of the advent of our long-expected Lord. And he comes not as the lowly and despised Nazarene, but as the triumphant "King of kings and Lord of lords." "Let not your heart be troubled," for he comes to those that are looking for him, without sin unto salvation. Though the tribes of the earth may mourn, it is your privilege to "look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:28.

"I long to behold Him arrayed With glory and light from above; The King in his beauty displayed, His beauty of holiest love."