The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-11-08
Music, Revelry, Intoxication

The tXet gwen us Tor touay lesson comes next in our study. It implies that in the days of Isaiah's prophecy many of the rich indulged themselves in intoxicat- ing liquors, music. revelry, etc., to their own injury as well as to the neglect of their responsibilities to God. They asked, Am 1 my brothers keeper?" even as Cain asked this question. By their ac- cumulated wealth they had more than heart could wish, while others were needy. And how about today, is it the same? We answer Yes and no. With many it Is the same exactly, but with consider able number of the wealthy of our day it is very different, we are glad to say. Continually we have evidences that some of the Meslthy consider their possessions as a trust from tn. Almighty to be used in His service, to be used for the sake of humanity. Nearly every quarter or Christendom can boast of some such char acters; but, alas, they are comparatively few. The majority of the rich, like the majority of the poor, are selfish to the core. When the selfish rich and the self sh poor shall join issue in a great strug- gle, as the Bible clearly declares they will do then the world will see the time of trouble prophesied-''su as never was since there was a nation"-a time of trou- hle which Jesus declares will never be again. because following that great trou
  ton, Messiah will establish the Kingdom of God, the rule of righteousness under the whole heavens. for the blessing of all the families of the earth-the rich, the poor
 Thus socialism. according to the Bible. will be the ultimate condition of the earth, in which all mankind will receive blessing Socialists, not aware of this teaching Of Gods word, or if aware of 1t T n Q a interest of al mankind the great bless ings which are now in the hands of the comparatively few To us their schemes appear dangerous, impractical. TO us 1t appears, es the Scriptures indicate that failing to accomplish their benevolent designs, socialists will become bitter an- archists, and plunge themselves and the whole world into the most awful trouble ever known.
 We must admit that if socialism were established in the world 1t would not be maintained in any degree of perfection except by men thoroughly converted to God-men who would feel their respons- bility to God and to men. What we need s the conversion of the world. not mere ly to an outward lowing of the knee. but to heart harmony with God and the principles of righteousness.
 will this ever come? An, yesi The mouth of the Lord hath spoken itl But 1t cannot come through any power of ours. We can favor it, md point toward it., but those who love righteousness and see the way of the Lord are so insignificant that they cannot accomplish what they would for their fellows. Wait ye upon Me. said the Lord, until that day!' For then will turn to the people pure lan- guage, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent"
 In His own time. following the great time of trouble, God will humble the world. Meantime, the elect saints will be glcrified. and with Messiah as His bride, constitute the long promised kingdom of God for the blessing of humanity. Then Satan shall be bound and all the good in fiuehces of righteousness and truth and knowledge shall be let loose for the bless ing of the world.