Cresco plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1913-1945, 1916-11-10

II: "Watchman,
|| what of the
l455 5! ;sz: night? - The
(Ska2!2k Ag2S4sl Morning cometh
and night also!"
The Pastor holds that the world is
even now sweeping into the long-prom-
rles and blessings have been the
theme of Old Testament prophecy for
many centuries He declares that for
the past forty.two years we have been
in the dawning Of the New Age of
Blessing, which has come SO stealthily
upon the world that few recognize the
import of the changes brought about
during that period. The world has
probably created thousand times as
much wealth during these forty-two
years as during the entire six thou
sand years preceding them. Solomon
never even dreamed Of such bless
ings as the very poorest may enjoy
today.
But there is a dark side to be consld-
cred also. These wonderful blessings
seem only to have increased human
Aly ulSCOulCAI duu ScAuSHucSS. A0 q
result the world is now entering into
Time Of Trouble unprecedented, which
will convince mankind Of their own
impotency. After the whirlwind Of
human passion has subsidized, however,
there will be glorious sunburst of
everlasting peace and righteousness.
1t may surprise some to be told that
since 1874 the world has seen greater
increase Of education, Of labor-saving
devices, of safeguards and protection
for human life, etc., than during the
preceding sixty centuries. These
changes have come In so gradually
that comparatively few have noticed
them. Then. man labored from sun to
sun; now, we are rapidly approaching
an eight-hour day. Then, nearly all
labor was done with sweat Of face;
now, 1t IL nearly all accomplished with
machinery. Sewing machines, reapers
and binders. mowers, gas engines. Az
tomobiles, etc. all belong to this period.
Prophecies respecting streams in the
desert and the wilderness blossoming
a. the rose are having fulnlment In
our day-not miraculously, but IN har-
mony with the Divine order Of an In.
creased intelligence amongst men.
Daniel 12:14.) Artesian wells are be-
Ing drilled and irrigating canals con-
stIucted, not only In the west Of these
United States and Canada, but In TAR
Oh Mesopotamia. with marvellous re-
sultA Landtprsyiously not worth fenc-
Ing IL valued today at $500 per Q re.
The soils Of various localities arc be.
Ing analysed ut public expense; and
farmers are given knowledge respect
ing the kind of fertilizers required to
bring satisfactory results. Under, these
conditions 1t IL not surprising to learn
that as much a. 156 bushels Of corn
have been raised to one acre, and that
coo bushels Of potatoes and over arc
not an uncommon record. Who can
dispute that Biblical prophecies are
thus being fulfilled!
A Dark Night ALREADY Settling.
The speaker then showed that these
blessings are not being appreciated
By the world at large, that selhshness
and discomfort are on the increase.
This he declares Is also foretoA n
Scripture. His text holds the Divine
key to the situation. There God tells
Of q dark night coming after the Morn
ing dawn had been well ushered ina
storm cloud just at sunrise. This dark.
hour Is elsewhere called - Time Of
Trouble such a. never was since there
was q nation."-Dan. 12:1; Matt. A:21.
Bible students see this great Time
Of Trouble already beginning In the
letting loose Of the winds Of strife in
Europe. In the light Of the Bible they
perceive that this war will result in
the great weakening Of the govern
ments and in the increased knowledge
and discomfort amongst the people The
next phase Of the trouble, according to
the Bible. will be the great earth
quake such a. never was since man
was upon the earth (Revelation 1918
mot q literal earthquake. but q sym
bolic one-revooutiOn.
Then the third phase Of the calam-
ity, the darkest Of all. will be the SYM
bolic fire OF anarchy, which will utter
ly destroy our present civilization.
Then, in the midst Of that most awful
Time OF Trouble, Messiah win take
His great power and exercise 1t, with
the result that the raging waves Of
human passion will be Quieted, the
fires Of anarchy extinguished, and the
Reign of righteousness will begin.
The Pastor then pointed out the wis
dom Of the great Creators Progress
that He will permit mankind to con-
vince themselves Of their need Of God.
and that His purposes for humanity
are revealed in His Word-"the still,
small Voice Of the Lord" speaking
through Messiah's Kingdom.