The Eastern Question

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THE WORLD’S CRISIS

3. “Thy wrath is come.” The wrath of God is to be poured out in “the seven last plagues.” Revelation 15:1. The nature and effects of these terrible visitations are recorded in Revelation 16:1-21; and they end precisely at the point and in the very things that are marked in chapter 11:19 as the ending of the seventh trumpet, and which, indeed, are nothing less than the ending of all things. EQ 9.1

4. “And the time of the dead, that they should be judged.” Therefore in this time the proclamation, not of war, but of the “everlasting gospel” of peace is to be made “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come; and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:6, 7. EQ 9.2

5. “And that Thou shouldest give reward unto Thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear Thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” It is at the resurrection of the just that the saints are to be rewarded, and this takes place at the coming of the Lord in glory. For He says, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12. And them that are wicked will be “destroyed by the brightness of His coming.” 2 Thessalonians 1 7-10. EQ 9.3

All these things which we have mentioned by number were by the word of God to “come quickly” after August 11, 1840; quickly after the date when the rule of the Ottoman Empire by its own power passed away; quickly after that empire was by the great powers set as a bulwark against the anger of the nations breaking out in an “appalling” and universal war. Half a century has passed since that time; and how much nearer now is the time when these solemn and important events will take place! EQ 9.4

Holding in view now the field which we have so far surveyed, let us turn to another portion of the Word of God and inquire concerning the present time, and the place of Turkey and the nations. EQ 9.5