Part 48 (1/2)

(London, 1853), p. 409._

A later Turkish traveler, Mr. Wilfred Scawen Blunt, says:

”Ancient prophecy and modern superst.i.tion alike point to the return of the Crescent into Asia as an event at hand, and to the doom of the Turks.... A well-known prediction to this effect, which has for ages exercised its influence on the vulgar and even on the learned Mohammedan mind,... places the scene of the last struggle in northern Syria, at Homs, on the Orontes. Islam is then finally to retire from the north, and the Turkish rule to cease. Such prophecies often work their own fulfilment.”--_”Future of Islam,” p. 95._

Thus native tradition and human forebodings have contemplated the break-up of the Turkish power, as the course of the years has witnessed the shrinkage of its territory and the ever-increasing difficulty of its position.

Now and then there has been a renewal of Turkey's vigor and prestige; then again its situation has been rendered yet more precarious. It has been a buffer between the clas.h.i.+ng interests of the great powers.

Speaking of Turkey's difficult position in this respect, the London _Fortnightly Review_, May, 1915, expressed a common view thus:

”When once the nations of Europe set foot in Asia Minor, the pace of Turkey's further downfall will be set not so much by Turkey's strength or weakness as by the mutual jealousies of the occupying powers.”

The storm clouds hang ever low over the Near East; while above all the din of wars and rumors of wars, the voice of divine prophecy declares that when this power comes to its end, the closing events in human history will quickly follow.

[Ill.u.s.tration: CONSTANTINOPLE THE KEY CITY OF THE WORLD

The cross on which the peace of the world has been crucified.]

The solemn truth rings in our ears like a trumpet peal; the age-long Eastern Question is hastening on to its final solution, and its solution brings the end of the world.

In the light of the ”sure word of prophecy” the developments of our day in the East become more than matters of grave political concern to statesmen and observers of affairs generally; they are matters of deepest personal, eternal interest to every soul. In watching the trend of international affairs, we are watching the doing of the last things among the nations.

As these things are seen coming to pa.s.s exactly as the prophecy foretold, we recognize them as G.o.d's call to men in the last generation to turn to Him and prepare their hearts to meet the coming Lord. Let no one think to wait until he sees Turkey come to its end before making his peace with G.o.d. The end of this power, as described in Revelation 16, comes during the falling of the seven last plagues. And the last verse of the preceding chapter shows that Christ's ministry for sinners in the heavenly temple has ended before the plagues begin to fall. Human probation will already have closed. The solemn decree will then have been issued in heaven:

”He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly.” Rev. 22:11, 12.

”Now is the accepted time,” calls the Spirit; ”now is the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2. We have not to make ourselves ready. ”If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. Our part is to believe and confess; His part is to forgive and cleanse and make us ready for the coming kingdom.

The Sinner's Plea

With broken heart and contrite sigh, A trembling sinner, Lord, I cry; Thy pardoning grace is rich and free: O G.o.d, be merciful to me!

Nor alms, nor deeds that I have done, Can for a single sin atone; To Calvary alone I flee: O G.o.d, be merciful to me!

And when, redeemed from sin and h.e.l.l, With all the ransomed throng I dwell, My raptured song shall ever be, ”G.o.d has been merciful to me!”

--_Cornelius Elven._

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE GREAT BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON

The whole world involved in the last great clash of nations. ”The nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come.” Rev. 11:18.]

[Ill.u.s.tration: THE PLAIN OF ESDRAELON AND MT. MEGIDDO

”He gathered them together into a place called ... Armageddon.” Rev.

16:16.]