THE PRESENT JEWISH CRISIS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 53, 4 March 1939, Page 8

THE PRESENT JEWISH CRISIS

Sir,—Those events which happen in our day usually appear to be of the greatest possible significance and importance. But we are prone to forget that many things which are happening to-day are just recurrences of things that have happened before. For away back in 1880 the Jews were being sorely persecuted in Russia and Rumania (as in Germany and Italy to-day), and it was said of this persecution at that time: “Now, thf present Jewish crisis will, we believe, have a two-fold effect; for good and for evil, because the persecution, coming as it is, from a profesedly Christian people, will only help to harden the hearts of the nation against the Gospel. There is, however, in the Providence of God, good coming out of this great evil. It appears that the Lord is permitting this great calamity, in order that His ancient. people, who are still “beloveu for the Father's sake” might be reminded that neither Russia nor Rumania, nor Germany is their resting place. And hence it is that the eyes of all pious Jews are now more than ever turned Zionward. That this persecution will effect a speedy return to Palestine in a body there is no doubt.’ The reading. Sir, of such a passage as this should be sufficient to keep any rational mind from trying to see some great prophetic signilicance in the things that are happening to Israel in Germany and Italy to-day. But there is no doubt that the present severe persecution of the Jews will be the means ol driving them to call upon and see.c God after all other avenues of help have failed them. The present state of affairs in Europe is apparently welcomed by many prophetic speculators as a golden opportunity to evolve and exploit some new vagary. There seems to be sufficient evidence, Sir, to show that the alarmists and date-setters are not going to miss this moment of golden opportunity. Some of them have been on short rations since their welUlaid plans to have the come in 1934, went astray. Some ci the pamphlets which demonstrated that Signor Mussolini was the anti-Christ and the coming would be in 1934, are being revised to try and show, and prove, that it is now Adolph Hitler, and the coming would be in 1939. So happy days are here again for those who conduct these amazing prophecy rackets, and no doubt a credulous public, with aroused curiosity, will hasten to purchase the literature they-put. out in preference to a reading and study of the Scriptures to sec if these things be so. - I am, etc., C. E. KNIGHT, Evangelist. 126 Turner St reef., Auckland, C.l, 28/2/39.