The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1916-02-03
TIE PEOPLES FORUM.
Perilous Times.

living IN perilous times. Such times
were predicted long ago and it looks as
if we were coming into the times pre-
dicted by prophets of former ages. Be
that as it may there have never been
times so fraught with vital interests to
the world as now, times that are enough
to make the heart of all men, and espe-
cially christians quail.
You can find anxiety enough every
where. without doubt and this neces-
states all christians to stand by their
annus; and do their duty. 1t may be
well to consider some of the perils of the
day, or some of the things that make
our times perilous.
~ We are in perilous times morally
We are apt to boast of our times and
comfort ourselves with the thought
that they are so much better than they
used to be, and so rest content. You
may not all agree with me, yet l must
say what | believe, aid what hope you
will believe too. However, | am not
concerned about pleasing all, as much
as | am to present the truth. | know
there are some who will say pessimism
you are trying to give needless alarm.
There is no danger, for things are 60
ing on as they always have. Nor am
seeking popularity, for those VINO warn
of evil to come, are seldom popular.
Some may say, he's a bit blue, he
doesn'tsee the great amount of good
that is being done in the world, 1 do
not forget that. 1t is easy to look on
one side Of things and from that view
point, draw very strong conclusions,
though they may be wholly wrong. We
must look at the good and the evil as
well, for there is an immense amount
of evil-a far greater amount than the
good. From moral standpoint we are
in perilous times. The unrest of the
world is very noticeable.
In some of the countries of Europe it
reached the point of revolution; it pass
ed that and plunged the nations into
the most gigantic war of the ages.
The Torment of discomfort is evident
IN our own country. Back of sudden
outbreaks of strikes in Spain, is what
appears to be an organized revolution
airy movement. Portugal has been in
state of turmoil which has at times
made the existence of the republic pre-
carlous. Food notes have necessltated
material law in some quarters severe
droughts and crop failures in others,
with rising cost of living, is the most
serious question of the day in France
and Austria. Lawlessness seems to be
in the air. Lack of confidence char
ecterizes the business of the world.
Uncertainty and forebodings of evil
control the minds of multitudes. Yet
IN large part of the church is an
optomistic feeling which verges on de-
fusion. Presently they will see signs
in the sun and moon and stars and upon
the earth distress of nations in perplex-
ity for the roaring of the sea and the
pillows; men fainting for fear and for
expectation of the things which are
coming on the world, for the powers of
the heavens shall be shaken.
These words refer to the last period
Of the present dispensation, when
grievous times shall come; when men
shall be without love for kindred, i'm
placable, incontent, fierce, yielding to
self indulgence, hard hearted and haters
OF good things and persons, betrayers
Of their brethren, false in friendship,
headstrong, impulsive, lovers of pleasure
more than lovers Of God-for, the love
Of pleasure DESTROYS the love of God
The outward profession of religion is
maintained under a visible prevalence
of wickedness. Men are prone to for
sake the truth and seducers abound.
There is a mixture on the part of
professions with the world, indeed you
can scarcely distinguish them at times.
Outward duties receive attention but
the inward spiritual duties decay.
Persecution against true believers will
be, indeed is rampant now, in many
places.
The form of goodness which is in it
self right, beautiful and advantageous,
will continue to exist, but the powers
thereof will be and is already denied.
Its consequences are alarming, as seen
in the lack of heart searching; Of
pungent sorrow for sin; lack of love
of the truth with refusal to conform to
the Divine will. Mere form does not
entitle one to christian fellowship, for
formalities have no sympathy with the
sentiments of true believers. The
sense of personal relationship to God
seems to have been lost for the most
part, hence but little interest in the
progress of his work throughout the
world. The standard of morality is
low it is verging on the immoral, moral
principle does not grip US as 1t once did
The fact is the age does not want a
moral code to which it shall bring its
conduct for something. The general