Jewish Massacres.
The tidings that are constantly reaching us of the unspeakable persecutions now taking place in Russia may well turn our attention to the Scriptures, where we may learn why it is that such things are befalling the Jews. In Leviticus 26:1-14, we get a beautiful description of the peace and blessing they might have enjoyed as a nation, had they known how to walk in obedience to the law of Moses. To the end of the chapter we are given an outline of what would befall them if they chose a path of disobedience. Added to this is their national crime of murdering their Messiah. “His blood be upon us and on our children,” they cried, when handing Him over to the Romans for crucifixion. The “seven times” of punishment are passing over their guilty heads, and worse troubles await them in Palestine even than in Russia — that “time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time” (Dan. 12:1). Then, and not till then, will deliverance come. “The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads” (Isa. 35:10).
“Peace and Safety.”
A correspondent recently sent , us a copy of the Daily Telegraph containing a leading article written in a most boastful spirit. Never, according to the writer, was England in a more prosperous condition, never further removed from all possibility of war, never more at peace with all her neighbors. This is the self-complacent spirit that, according to God’s Word, will precede the worst and final disasters. “When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction shall come upon them... and they shall not escape” (1 Thess. 5:3). At the same time every nation of the world, east and west, is increasing its armaments and weapons of war.
Revival in New Zealand.
News reaches us of a gracious work of God’s Spirit in several parts of this colony. In one little mining township known to us, where, until recently, it was impossible to get the people together to hear the gospel, overflow meetings are being held, and every meeting is crowded with eager listeners. “The trouble now is not to get people to the meetings, but to get them away.... For the last fortnight meetings have been held every night, and every night the hall has been full, and every night there were fifteen or sixteen seeking conversion.” This wave of blessing was preceded by months of praying.
Awakening in Lincolnshire.
A letter just received tells of a blessed work in a small village in this county. A few weeks ago the indifference was terrible — now prayer and praise resound, and every house is open for visiting for reading the Word and prayer.
China’s Awakening.
This is an awakening of a sadly different kind. Some distinguished young Chinamen have just arrived in Europe to learn the art of war. “Their Government has sent them to England to learn the making of guns, rifles, and ammunition.” China, we are told, is “recruiting. Huge arsenals are to be built,” &c. Things are moving rapidly towards the final crisis between East and West. The sure word of prophecy is a lamp in the dark place. Revelation 22:17 leads to the belief that along with the revival of the hope of the Lord’s return, a special gospel energy will precede the coming of Christ. Is not this exactly what is now taking place? The interval between the rapture of the saints and their manifestation in glory with Christ when He comes for judgment, will be filled up by the wars and rumors of wars for which all nations are now preparing. Thank God! Christians are not of this world. May we walk in separation from its course and ways!
Awakening in Germany.
News has just come to hand of great blessing attending the preaching of General Von V. at Barmen. About 4,000 persons have been gathered together in a large hall, the streets being crowded. Many conversions have taken place, and consciences have been reached. Our brother is known by name to many of our readers. Let us hold him up before God in prayer! The work is spreading.