“The danger, if the Ottoman Empire fall, would not merely be the danger that would threaten the territories of which that empire consists; it would be the danger that the fire there lit should spread to the other nations, and should involve all that is most powerful and civilized in Europe in a dangerous and calamitous contest.”—Lord Salisbury, in Mansion House Speech, London, Nov. 9, 1895.
“There can be no division of either of those countries [Turkey or Persia] without setting all the nations of Europe at the throats of each other.”—Washington Post, April 24, 1909.
“This is the most unsettled condition of the world since the crucifixion of Christ. The stability of government is no longer a fact. Change is in the atmosphere.... Statesmen are at their wits' end. Philosophers speculate in vain.”—The Late Bishop Newman.
12. Are men's hearts now “failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth”?
Every one familiar with present-day conditions knows that this is the case.
Notes.—“We are marching toward the unknown. Who knows what tomorrow has in store for us?”—Signor Crispi, ex-Prime Minister of Italy.
The Falling Stars, Nov. 13, 1833. "Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?" Matt. 16:3.
“In regard to the future I am filled with disquietude when I think how easy it is to fan these international jealousies, and how difficult it seems to allay them.”—Lord Balfour, of England.
“In this world of ours we seem to be borne down by commercial and spiritual controversy.... We grope in the daytime with fear and trembling for the future. Poor, distracted man is tossed over the night to a more distraught tomorrow.”—John Wanamaker, ex-Postmaster-General of the United States.