Judah and Israel

Front matter

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Preface

A Special Plea to the Reader.

It has been said that a book without a preface is generally not worth the reading. Now, as we believe this book, by virtue of the subjects treated, is eminently worth the reading by every man and woman who love the appearing of our Lord, we must needs have a preface ; first, to show why this book exists ; second, what is the plan and purpose of the book.

(a) The very unsatisfactory conclusions of all the theories we have read or heard for forty years past, respecting the character, continuance, and final results of Christ's kingdom on earth, have led us to search the scriptures carefully and patiently, guided, as we believe, by the Holy Spirit, for a solution of the prophetic record that would be in harmony with God's revealed plans, consistent with itself, and a fair and natural interpretation of all the scripture bearing upon this subject. It must also agree with the "signs of the times" which, after all, are the best interpreters of prophecy ; for, if the events predicted agree perfectly with the realised facts all along the line to the present, we are sure of our

11 PREFACE.

position and there can be no other solution. Christ himself has given us the key-note. "Ye can discern the face of the sky, but can ye not discern the signs of the times ? "

(6) We trust we have shown in these pages that there is a perfect and very simple plan of God for the government of this world and, though the details may be intricate and not always within our grasp because of our want of knowledge in certain particulars, the general features of that plan have been so far revealed as to be seen and understood by all earnest and patient students of the word, who are willing to be led by the Spirit.

All prophecy has one central thought, purpose, and object, around which every single vision or prophetic utterance clusters and revolves more or less remote. As long as astronomers stood on the earth to view our planetary system, they saw confusion where only harmony and regularity of motion were to be expected, some going one way and some another, but when one thought to stand on the sun, he found the fault had been in himself and not in the heavenly bodies ; he, with others, had taken a wrong point of vision. So with the prophecies of the Bible ; if we do not get the proper point of vision all is confusion and contradiction.

Prophecy has, moreover, another phase in that much of it is formed into an enigma or puzzle to which there is one solution, and only one. Every part of the puzzle must fit into its proper place and in no other, and all parts must be there. To say that there is no plan or method connecting the whole, and that each part is

PEEFACE. Ill

independent of every other part, and lias no special relation to the whole nor to all the parts, is to charge God with folly in presenting a revelation to intelligent men, to which it is impossible to find a solution, and so it becomes no revelation at all ; just as if: the heavenly bodies were independent of each other, and each planet was running on its own hook. Yet this is the theory of many pious and learned souls who have undertaken to give us an interpretation of symbolic prophecy. Men may not always be able to find the key, since God has that in his own keeping, and gives it to whom and at what time he will. His choices in the past have not always been in the line of "natural selection," or "scientific methods," but, as a general thing, they have proved correct. I cannot now call to mind any mistakes. Those who hunger and thirst after the knowledge of God and are willing to abide His time, will always be satisfied.

That the true interpretation of the prophetic record lies along the lines we have indicated in this volume, we are absolutely certain, because it fills all the required conditions. Whether we have been able to present the truth in such a way as to enlist and convince all Christian readers, is quite another thing, for the power of the truth depends almost wholly on the attitude one assumes toward it.

If you are a true " Berean" you will search the scriptures daily to see if these things are so ; not, if they are not so. This is the attitude you expect of unbelievers, and we have a right, therefore, to ask the

IT FKEFACE.

same of you. To have stopped to refute these various theories would be an endless task. We have, therefore, refrained as much as possible from even alluding to them, resting satisfied to present the truth as we feel assured the Spirit has given it to us, and to leave results with God.

We have been solicited often to submit these strange interpretations to some learned divines for their indorsement. As well might Paul have been asked to submit to the Sanhedrim, at Jerusalem, his letters to the churches. Our blessed Lord was asked by his brethren to get the sanction of the Doctors of the law before going out to the people, but he chose rather to keep away from Jerusalem and let the people receive him on his merits and not by popular favor and applause. The Spirit indicates the same to me.

If, after careful study of the scriptures — not the commentaries — you are convinced the puzzle is not solved by a fitting in of all the parts in their natural order, then reject it ; if, on the other hand, you find that all the conditions and requirements of the scriptures are met, then accept it as the only interpretation possible, and, having the courage of your convictions, proclaim them, for you have no time to spare.

Far be it from me by these remarks to disparage the learning of the schools. They have done too much for the world and are being used of God to-day altogether too largely to be set aside with a sneer. One only proclaims his own ignorance by so doing. In all matters of fact, historical and antiquarian research and philological

PREFACE. V

enquiry, they are invaluable aids to scriptural study and cannot be too highly prized, but in the interpretation of prophecy, especially symbolic prophecy, where God evidently holds the key, it must be evident that mere learning in airv man, however holy he may be, is not going to solve the puzzle, many instances of which will appear as we proceed. Yet both the puzzle and those that have attempted its solution have answered God's purpose hitherto, and kept alive the interest of the Christian world in these sublime utterances respecting the latter day glory of the Church on earth.

One of the most notable results of learning in its influence upon scholars, especially Christian scholars, has been to create a feeling of modesty in the expression of opinions and to lead them to defer to the learning of others: so much so, that in numerous instances even gross errors in the domain of scientific enquiry, having the endorsement of some great name, have gone unchallenged round the world. Especially has this been the case in respect of the symbolic prophecies of Daniel, Zecheriah and John, and the Christian Church seems to have settled down into a chronic acceptance of certain interpretations, at once absurd and contradictory, with no one to lift a voice against them. In peace and security the Church sleeps on at the very threshold of fiery trials and judgments, waiting for the learning of the schools to inform her when she may expect the coming of her Lord. That is precisely what they did in Christ's time eighteen hundred years ago.

Christ sent out invitations to the wedding when he

VI PREFACE.

was about to leave the earth. Long ages have passed and the Bridegroom, waiting to receive his Kingdom, 1 tarries, and "while he tarried they all slumbered and slept." Forty years ago the herald went forth with the cry, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him, " yet we know it not, or, worse still, we heed it not.

This book is sent forth under God to call your attention, dear Christian reader, once more to the fact of the near approach of Christ to take his Kingdom and to receive his bride, not to Celestial joys through the portals of death or the resurrection, but to the joyous festivities of the marriage supper in "the new heavens and the new earth." It is written in language and style easily to be understood, and though a large number of scripture passages are quoted, there are plenty more left in the same line requiring your prayerful attention. We have confined the passages quoted strictly to the subject of the chapters in which they are found, and have not, as is so often the case, taken any passage that suited our purpose wheresoever we could find it.

What is here written is only suggestive : the exhaustive part' is left with the Christian reader ; and it will carry you through the whole range of scripture with intense interest and delight, as new beauties are unfolded in the simplicity, harmony, surpassing conciseness, and wealth of expression of that wonderful book called " The Word of God." Any departures from the text of the authorised version will be found in the Revised ver-

Psalms 110-1.

PREFACE. Vll

sion. That the spirit of God may guide you into all truth, and inspire you with fresh zeal to labor for the coming of the Kingdom, is the sincere prayer of

" Jezreel."

Sari Francisco, May, 1887.

UMMARY OF OONTENTS

CHAPTEK.

I. Signs of the Times.

II. The Fathee and the Son: twofold chabactee of the

PLAN.

III. ISEAEL AND JUDAH ; SUBSIDIAEY AGENTS IN THE PLAN.

IV. ISEAEL IN EUEOPE, "A MULTITUDE OF NATIONS ; " " THE

TALL CEDAE PLANTED BY GEEAT WATEES.

V. Spieitual Iseael in the New Woeld ; the tendee

TWIG "PLANTED UPON AN HIGH MOUNTAIN."

VI. The God-appointed name— Ameeica.

VII. Mateeial endowments of the land.

VIII. "The God of Heaven shall set up a kingdom."

IX. The moeal and political chaeacteeistics of the

KINGDOM.

X. Death blow to Papacy and Impeeialism ; pivotal

POINT OF THE AGES.

XI. FlEEY TEIALS AND JUDGMENTS FOE CLEANSING THE KING- DOM.

XII. Binding the Deagon foe a "thousand yeaes."

XIII. "Behold, He cometh with clouds" to take the king-

dom.

XIV. The millennial gloey.

XV. The New Jeeusalem.

XVI. The eelease of the Deagon ; Cheist's peesonal coming in judgment.

General ^ndex.

CHAPTER I. ( Page 1.) SIGXS OF THE TIMES

Momentous Times The French Soldier — Discontent of the Masses The Divine Right of Kings Chess-board of Europe — Overthrow of Imperialism Armies of Europe Depleting Process

Empire of Turkey Ceding of Cyprus — England's Ally — Russia's Motives The Holy City— Impending Ruin Immigration — Demands of Atheists The Liquor Curse Statistics of Crime — Political Corruption The Mormon Problem Divorce — Desecration of the Sabbath Christian Science -The Bright Side- Christian Activity Moral Reform Brewers' Prayer-— Fields White to Harvest Religious Statistics Student Missionaries — Church Building — Spirit's Presence "Sinews of War"- -Intellectual Activity — Pangs of a New Birth- Poetry.

CHAPTER II. (Page 39.) THE FATHER AND THE SON: TWO-FOLD CHARACTER OF THE PLAN

Indifference to Prophecy Material things of the World— Conflicting Theories — First Advent- -Uncertain Predictions — Time of the Papacy — Second Advent Theories God's Plan- -The Garden —Disobedience— Promise of Restoration Justice takes its Course —No Pardon Offer of the Innocent— The Greek Magistrate Way of Transgression hard— Blood Sacrifices— Their Inadequacy

X INDFX.

— Necessity for Change — Judgment given to the Son — The Great Commission — Love Wins Love — Christ's Kingdom not of the World — Takes time for Success — Victory over Death — Worked out under present Conditions Otherwise Kedemption ends — Poetry.

CHAPTER III. (Page 59.) JUDAH AND I31SAEL; SUBSIDIARY AGENTS IN THE PLAN

Influence of the Hebrew Race— Two Lines— Each with Shepherding Power — One Kingly and Spiritual — The other Political and Martial- Ancestors of the Hebrews— Departure from Egypt — In the Wilderness — Life in Canaan — Consolidation under David — Promise of endless Reign — Elements of Decay— Secession of Ten Tribes — Ultimate Union— Judah's Defection — Return jrom Babylon—The Temple Rebuilt — Convulsions in the Kingdom — The last Prophet — Advent of Messiah — Fall of Jerusalem — End of Judah's Mission — Israel's Kingdom — Effects of Idolatry — Captivity — Israel Hidden — Their Resurrection — A New People — New Religion — Place of Exile — Ezekiel's Vision Assyria Conquered— Scythians and Sacae — Rock Temple Inscriptions — In the far East.

CHAPTER IV. ( Page 99.)

ISRAEL IN EUROPE, A MULTITUDE OE NATIONS ; THE TALL CEDAR PLANTED BY GREAT WATERS.

The Western Migration — Sources of Information — Inducements to leave Armenia — Inscription proofs — Scythians and Sacse — Derivation of Sacae — Early occupation of Europe— On the Euxine — Cup of Indignation — Rome Conquered — Character of Conquerors — Influence upon Southern Nations — Progress North and West — Pushing the People— Saxon supremacy — Engels of Engel-land — Entrance into Britain — Fragments .of History — Saxon Influence

INDEX. XI

—The Northmen in Normandy — Great Imitators — Mutual Benefits — William in England — Norman Influence — Israel resumes her Name— Eetrospection — Is this the End — David's Throne — The latter-day Temple — Spiritual Israel its Builder.

CHAPTER V. ( Page 119.)

SPIRITUAL. ISRAEL IN THE NEW WORLD; THE TENDER TWIG "PLANTED UPON AN HIGH MOUNTAIN/'

Critical point — Facts and Prophecy One — Conditions Imposed — Thus far Fulfilled — Early days of the Puritans — They remove to Holland — Sufferings in Starting— They remove to Ley den— Twelve years quiet Residence -Will move to America — Last affecting Meetings — On board the Speed-well for Southampton Joined by the Mayflower At Sea and putting Back — Final Departure— On the Broad Ocean— Consideration of New Heavens and New Earth — Old interpretations Rejected —Proofs of Symbolic character — An Oriental Book— Use of Symbols— One Spirit for the Whole— Destruction of Matter not Recognised — Moral and Political changes — The Sea a Home of Monsters — Sea and Abyss Interchangeable- No more Sea— What John Saw— Pilgrims introduced to the New World — New Heavens — A little one Enlarged.

CHAPTER VI. ( Page 139.) THE GOD-APPOINTED NAME— AMERICA

Scripture use of "High Mountain" — Inappropriateness of the Term — Not a Symbol — Solving the Problem— Doubtful derivation of Name, America— Its true meaning — Was it known to Columbus — No mention of it — Expectations of Columbus — Indians' supply of Gold — The Americ Range of Mountains — Name still Retained — Popularised by Sailors — First Publisher of the Name — Vespuchy not Entitled to the Honor — Contrary to all Rule in Bestowing

Xll INDEX.

Names — No Chance to Deny the Honor — Columbus unable to Correct it— Superior advantage of New Derivation— Believes Vespuchy's Name of a Charge— An Aboriginal Name — Americ or Amerique is American.

CHAPTER VII. ( Page 156. ) MATERIAL ENDOWMENTS OF THE LAND

Israel's "Place of their Own" — Oppressors far Removed — Ensign set up — Judah obeying the Call — Russia and France aiding — Material Blessings Promised — Palestine Devoid of Them — Spain the Discoverer — But does not Hold it — Vastness of the Domain — Adaptability to Population— A Home for All — Free of Wild Beasts — Yet Abounding in Forests— Old Wastes to be Occupied— A place of Broad Rivers and Streams — Mineral Resources — World's Granary — National Wealth— Recent gains— Half a World Unknown — A large and fat Pasture.

CHAPTER VIII. (Page 171.) THE GOD OF HEAVEN SHALL SET UP A KINGDOM

Colonial Growth— Paternity of Kings — A new Birth Promised - A very Peculiar one — Nature Reversed — Bible idea of things Begun— Gregorian Calendar supersedes the Julian — Lunar time for Israel — Reasons given — Cup of Indignation— After- pangs of a Nation's Birth — Character of the Stripling A Political kingdom - " In the Days of these Kings " — Cut out of the Mountain — Antagonistic to Imperialism — Therefore Republican Only two kinds — Cannot exist Harmoniously — Must Destroy all Opposition — Principles Involved — Political Israel God's Battle axe — Spiritual Israel a Theocratic Republic.

INDEX. Xlll

CHAPTER IX. ( Page 191. 1 THE MORAL AND POLITICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE KINGDOM

The Vision of Ezekiel — Division of Canaan — Levi Reinstated— Thirteen Divisions — The Sons of Zadoc — Service to the Nation — The Sanctuary in the Midst — The Second Gathering- — Choice of one Head — A New Covenant— A New Name — One Language Married to the Land— A Land of Homes Number of Farmers — Investment in Farms -Genera] Intelligence Blind see and the Deaf Hear — First Asylum Happy Children Security of Highways — The One Religious Festival of Thanksgiving Passover and Pentecost of no Significance The Chinese Named The Ethiopians in Chains— Control of Commerce -Nobility of Europe as Real Estate owners— Our Sea-board Safe —Perpetual Peace Assured Clear cut Outline.

CHAPTER X. i Page 212.)

DEATH-BLOW TO PAPACY AND IMPERIALISM: PIVOTAL POINT OF THE AGES.

The Mystery of the Ages— Duration of the 1260 years Rise of Papacy- Early Edicts— Valentian and Theodosius Code of Justinian — Exarchate of Ravenna— Pepin of France Uncertainty of Dates The Apocalypse in its proper Divisions Conditions Imposed — Gloom of the Church— Condition of Europe in 18th Century- -The Wesleys and Whitefield The Great Awakening— The Church in America— The Two Witnesses -The Bible a Sealed Book -Rome's Hatred of it— French Revolution— Churches Despoiled—Bible and Mass Books burned -Goddess of Reason Worshiped— God Dethroned— Dead in the Streets of Sodom - The great Earthquake Carry le's Description— Work of the Guillotine—Priests Destroyed— Edge of the Abyss— King and Queen Beheaded The Pope a Prisoner Death in Exile Resurrection

XIV INDEX.

of the Witnesses — The Shout of the Angels — End of the Mystery —The Judgment upon the Beast.

CHAPTEK XL (Page 245.)

FIERY TRIALS AND JUDGMENTS FOR CLEANSING THE KINGDOM.

Judgment not Ended — Tares in the Wheat — Yials of Wrath — The Sixth Plague— The great Earthquake— Cleansing the Land and the Temple— Rewards of Iniquity — Survival of the Fittest — The Judgment of the Sword— God's Deliverance — Unpalatable Methods — God's Noble Army — Enormity of the Crime — Not a question of Expediency — Desperate Character of the Foe — Covetousness— Robbing the Poor— Divorce and Mormonism — Sabbath Desecration — Example of our Rulers — The Church largely Responsible — Opposition of Infidels — Their Demands — Christian Organisation — Foretaste of Trials — Hiding from the Storm — Judgment to the Line — What will you Answer.

CHAPTER XII. ( Page 267.)

BINDING THE DRAGON FOR A THOUSAND YEARS.

An Accepted Theory — A Pleasant One — Rule of Interpretation — The Six Factors — Uniform Values to Symbols— Beasts out of the Sea — War in Heaven — Zeeheriah's Vision — Satan in Person not there— Israel versus Imperialism — Key, Chain and Abyss, as Symbols — Substance of the Vision — The Last Conflict— Delayed for a Purpose— Elements of the Conflict — The Dragon Quiescent for a long Period.

CHAPTER XIII. ( Page 278.)

BEHOLD HE COMETH WITH CLOUDS TO TAKE THE KINGDOM.

Graphic Descriptions — Efforts to Solve the Puzzle — God's purpose Answered — Intent of John's Vision — Grace not Limited—

INDEX. XV

The Tables Turned— The true Victory— God's Conflict with 'the Nations— The Great Trumpet— Gathering the Elect— Apathy of the Church— Every eye shall See Him -The Consumption Decreed — A Fountain Opened — He cometh with Clouds The Ascension at Olivet- His like Return Clouds as Symbols Their Values— His Coming to the Churches of Asia— God's Moral epochs Quiet Affairs— One of Ancient Days— One Like a Son of Man— A Willing Offering— The Midnight Cry — Expectation of the Marvelous— The Marriage Supper.

CHAPTER XIV. i Page 30] . )

THE MILLENNIAL GUORY.

Christ on the Throne Paul's Vision — Conflict and Sorrow Hitherto— Reduced Physical Powers Plan to Save the Race Those best Fitted to live— Smile of Heaven upon them A Purer Atmosphere— No more curses heard Present Developments Considered Advancement by Evolution Nothing Irruptive Victory by Faith Teachings of the Church Increasing Faith An easy Victory— Holiness unto the Lord — Dawning of better Days -The first Resurrection -" Healing of the Nations "- Bruising the Serpent's head The whole Creation Groaneth — Victory over Death Tears from off all Faces— New beauties Perceived — No end to the Prospect — Unappreciated Blessings — Brief Mention — Regaining lost Energy — The true Interpretation.

CHAPTER XV. ( Page 324.)

THE NEW JERUSALEM.

A literal Reading — Its Absurdity Shown Beauty of the Symbolism — Value of the Symbol — The Language of Gems — Well known to the Ancients — Expressive of Spiritual Truths — The Living Temple— God Magnified — The Branch of the Lord — The

XVI INDEX.

Prospect before Us The Tables turned on Satan — Angels Ascending and Descending — The Holy City already Descended — But few now Walking its Streets — More Welcomed — Countless Hosts of the Future.

CHAPTER XVI. (Page 334.)

THE RELEASE OF THE DRAGON; CHRIST^ PERSONAL COMING IN JUDGMENT.

Satan loosed from his Prison — No more Satan now than Before - -Natural Division of the Apocalypse — Scriptural Explanations — End of the Thousand Years — A Limited Time — Reappearance of the Dragon- Renewal of the old War — From the same old Quarter — Consigned to the Abyss from which he came — Age of Christ's reign not Limited by a Thousand Years- An Endless Reign — An exhausted Earth Then cometh the End — Judgment of the Finally Impenitent -Descent of the Lord Himself — The Earth reserved unto Fire — Resurrection of the Saints — Instantaneous Change — Ever with the Lord — No return to Earth — An Incorruptible Body

All power Relegated to the Father.

Chapter I. Signs Of The Times

" And when he was demanded of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, the kingdom of God cometh not with outward show. Neither shall they say. lo here! or, lo there! for behold the kingdom of God is among you." (Luke 17-20, 21).

" Behold the tig tree, and all the trees ; when they now shoot forth ye see and know of your own selves that Summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see all these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand." (Luke 21- 29, 30).

That we are living in peculiar and even momentous times no one will for a moment dispute. They are times which find no parallel in any age of the world's history of which we know. As the telegraph and the press bring to us daily and even hourly the quick-beating pulsations of the world, they seem to tell us that the moral and political forces of the earth are putting themselves in array for a struggle of such mighty proportions that old earth herself promises to "reel to and fro like a drunken man " under the heavy tread of men, angels, and demons, combatants for victory or death.

The exhuberant exclamation of the soldier of Napoleon's army when crossing the Alps seems likely to be realised. Looking back from a lofty height whence he could see the immense army filing and defiling up the

THE COMING KINGDOM.

mountain sides, surrounded on every hand by lofty peaks and overhanging crags, he could contain himself no longer, but stepping aside from his comrades he shouted in thunder tones : Attention, the Universe ! ! Wheel by kingdoms ! What was thus spoken in extatie rapture seems on the eve of fulfillment as we behold in the old world the marshalling of forces never before dreamed of for number and gigantic armament, and hear the low rumbling of distant armies taking their appointed places for the last great conflict of the ages.

On all sides the murmurings of discontent, the deep undertone of the wailing masses, bubbling, seething,, and often boiling into open outbreak, give premonition of the coming storm. Nothing but force, based upon the old idea that " might makes right," keeps these pent up waters from bursting their barriers and engulfing thrones and dominions in one common maelstrom of destruction. Only He who now restrains will continue to restrain until the cup of indignation is full, "to execute upon them the judgments written"

" The divine right of kings " has proved a costly and burdensome pageant and the people have begun to trace many of the burdens of life to this cause, which imposes oppressive taxation upon the untitled masses for its support, for the benefit of the privileged few. Police surveillance consequent upon this condition of things, besides entailing immense cost, weighs like an incubus upon free thought respecting this huge assumption of a

SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

by-gone age, and they desire to have done with it at once and forever.

As these burdens become more and more oppressive and irksome, those who can flee from them without too great a sacrifice will be driven to this and other lands where greater freedom may be enjoyed and where life may be made more productive of happiness.

The political chess-board of Europe is just now one of mighty significance for the future well being of the world. Premising, without argument, a reign of peace just previous to and for long ages after the coming of Christ to take his kingdom, which was prefigured by the seven years of peace and the shutting of the Roman temple of Janus on the occasion of Christ's first advent^ let us see, as briefly as may be, some of the "signs of the times " which we perceive foreshadowed in scripture and realised in our days, for a permanent peace, upon the exhaustion and final overthrow of the powers that to-day represent old Imperial Rome, which gave her power and her seat of empire to the Papacy for the persecution of the saints and the destruction of the church of God.

That these powers are to be overthrown and Imperialism be cast into the " abyss " for a " thousand years " or co-existent with the reign of Christ on earth, is clearly written in the scriptures, as we hope to prove in coming chapters. What we may say here of the " signs of the times" pointing to this end is simply a matter of private judgment and may be taken for what it is worth as a standpoint from which to watch these movements and

THE COMING KINGDOM.

see the unfolding of God's plan for the overthrow of the nations that have given their power to the "beast" for ages past,, as saith the prophet:

" Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the £»ord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth shall he devoured with the fire of my jealousy." (Zeph. 3-8).

" And the angel thrust in his sickle into the eai*th. and cast it into the great wine-press of the wrath of €Jod." (Rev. 14-19).

" For THEUJ will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may call upon the name of the I>ord to serve him with one consent." (Zeph. 3-9) .

The destruction of Imperialism and the Papacy seems to be an absolute pre-requisite of Christ's reign of peace on the earth, since they are diametrically opposed, the one to the other, and cannot exist in peace together. Between them there has always been, and there will always be antagonism until one or the other is destroyed. To this end, the powers that to-day represent the old Roman imperialism are being exhausted by the tremendous cost of their standing armies and navies. Ten millions of men drawn from the active fields of productive industry, and ready at thirty days' notice to take the field, are a sight never before seen, and a burden which the nations cannot long maintain without bankruptcy.

Russia alone is able, on an emergency, to put fiye millions of men in the field, and these are being drilled for that possible emergency. What towering accumulations of debt are being entailed by these exhaustive

SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

preparations in the European kingdoms ! Since the Franco-German war of 1870. France has accumulated a debt of seven billions of dollars, and her annual deficit now, with all her returning trade and industries, is two hundred millions of francs. Many writers, seeing this state of things, are declaring that war is the only safetyvalve for the preservation of the nations.

Since the Russo-Tivrkish war, Russia has borrowed an average of one hundred millions of dollars annually, and her debt is now ten times more than it was in the Crimean war. There is now no market for her bonds either in England or Germany, and she is seeking in France for a new loan, with very indifferent success.

Instead, however, of disarming and settling down to the peaceful avocations of life, they are constantly augmenting their forces and armaments under a fearful foreboding of something (they hardly know what) for which they seem impelled to prepare as by an unseen, all-powerful, irresistible force. Yet they cannot precipitate the battle if they would, until this depleting process has done its work almost to the point of ruin, and the command goes forth: " Thrust in thy sickle and reap; for the time has come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth" — the Roman political and ecclesiastical world—" is ripe." (Rev. U-15).