05. THE NUMBER OF MAN

SECTION I

HUMAN ACTIVITIES OF THE PRESENT DAY

THE times in which we live are characterized on the surface by great activity. Many are running to and fro, and knowledge is being increased. This is particularly true of knowledge concerning the properties of matter and the more subtle of the energies of Nature. In these directions man's knowledge has been greatly extended; and this newly acquired knowledge has served to stimulate activity, since man has learned that such knowledge may be turned to account in various ways which add to the comfort or minister to the pride and glory of mankind.

This newly acquired knowledge is being applied mainly to the multiplication of facilities for inter-communication. That which, more than any other feature, distinguishes the social life of this generation from that of past generations, is the extraordinary development of appliances for the easy and rapid transporta-

2 HUMAN ACTIVITIES OF PRESENT DAY tion of men, merchandise, and messages, from one part of the earth to another. The prophecy of Daniel, —“many shall run to and fro”—is having an astonishing fulfilment in the present day. The wireless telegraph and the flying-machine have at last made the air a medium of communication; and beyond this there is nothing in this direction for human daring to undertake. It is important to note that the prophet Daniel gave the above-quoted picture of human development as a characteristic of the “time of the end” (Dan. xii. 4).

Prodigious energies have been developed in recent years from natural sources, and have been brought to a certain extent under man’s control, to do his bidding. Nor is there as yet any sign of a slackening of the rate of the progress of this development. On the contrary, the achievements of each decade seem to stimulate the leaders of the world’s progress to still greater exertions.

The movement thus far has been characterized by rapid acceleration, until the state of society in its chief commercial centres has become one of feverish activity. Where it will end, is a question which those who are engaged (voluntarily or otherwise) in the industrial movement have little time to consider, and which perhaps could not be answered to their satisfaction. This, however, is the question to which the writer proposes to seek an answer. Even though we may not find a sure answer, we may at least consider the tendencies and direction of this great activity of our

"WHAT OF THE NIGHT?"

day; for while there is not in all cases a clear and definite aim in the minds of its leaders, the era of industrial activity has nevertheless developed pronounced and conspicuous characteristics, whereof even the casual observer cannot fail to take note.

Have these pronounced characteristics of present-day activity any special significance? Do they bear any special message to us? The voices of the twentieth century of the Christian era are many and discordant; but do they sound any definite warning? If we cry to the watchmen upon the walls of the city which men have builded, "What of the night?" will they be able to discern anything of special import among the crowd of coming events which are rushing toward us? If the ages have indeed been framed by the word of God (Heb. xi. 3) upon a definite plan analogous to the design observable in the visible universe, are we approaching one of those crises which mark the closing up of the affairs of one age and the inauguration of another?

Such questions are common, and are becoming more so. Whatever one's theory may be as to the nature and source of the principle of this social restlessness, there are large and increasing numbers of observant people who realize that energies have been aroused which are fast developing beyond the control of existing moral and governmental restraints. This, of course, betokens social disruption of some sort; and as is inevitable when the restrained energies are gaining

4 HUMAN ACTIVITIES OF PRESENT DAY in force, the postponement of the crisis, as would be effected by strengthening the existing restraints, does but tend to increase the violence of the disruption when it at last takes place.

These pages are written for those who have the inclination to go aside for a little season from the rush of these "difficult times," with the special object of casting a contemplative eye upon the conspicuous movements now in progress, and of noting the direction and rate of their advance.

There is an available light, with the aid of which this situation may be profitably studied. That light is the word of prophecy made more sure, whereunto (we are told) we do well if we take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn and the Day Star arise (2 Pet. i. 19). Of this light we will endeavour to avail ourselves, humbly seeking, in its use, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Who alone can instruct us therein.

THE GREAT CONSOLIDATION AND ITS HEAD

THE SYSTEM AND THE MAN

An important part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, as announced by the Lord Jesus before His death, was to be the revealing of coming events. "He will show you things to come" (John xvi. 13). In fulfilment of this promise, we find in the New Testament Scriptures many predictions of events that are to occur on the