Many students of Scripture prophecy have been following Mussolini's government of Italy with keen interest ever since he by sheer force took control of that ancient seat of the Roman Empire. Not only did he assume power by sheer force of arms, and set aside all real representative government, but one of his first arbitrary acts of power was to order the crucifix (emblem of popery) restored to its former place in all the public schools of the kingdom, and put through a law forbidding anything to be said against the religion of the State-Romanism, of course.

Recently, an interview was granted to Thomas B. Morgan, chief correspondent at Rome of the United Press, in which the dictator expresses his mind about an Italian Empire. He tries to hedge from the evident meaning of his former words in reference to this by saying that he meant "a state of mind rather than a grab for territory." This seems very evasive indeed, for who ever before heard of a statesman using the word "Empire" and not meaning what that evidently conveys-territory, conquest, annexations?

"The interview," the despatch says, "was in the nature of a reply to reports agitating foreign capitals to the effect that Mussolini entertained plans for a rebirth of the Roman Empire, with aims which might cause international concern in the Near East and elsewhere."

All this is highly significant indeed, in view of the fact that the Scriptures plainly foretell the rebirth and rising to universal power of the old Roman Empire, with a possible reinstatement of ecclesiastical Rome in the saddle as the woman who rides the beast (Rev. 17:3). Mussolini is reported to be a Jew, which lends force to these reports, for this dictator, with his black-shirted forces, extends his power far beyond the limits of Italy. "All the world wondered after the beast," we read in Rev. 13, and it is somewhat doing so with this man now.

While seeking to read "the signs of the times" we must not attempt to prophesy when or how prophecy is to be fulfilled. Nor is the Church to look for signs, while waiting patiently the advent of her Lord. Signs are in their primary import intended for the Jewish remnant; but it has been truly said that while not taught in Scripture to look for signs, the Christian may surely look at them when standing out unmistakably before his eyes. And does it not say in Hebrews 10:25, "Ye see the day approaching"?

The value of the ability to discern "the signs of the times" is not to gratify a spirit of idle curiosity, nor to feed a lively imagination; but it does tend to make and keep the Christian on the alert, waiting for the Son of God from heaven, and cause him to have his lamp trimmed and burning, and himself like unto one who waits for his Lord. The hope of His coming is indeed a purifying one (1 John 3:3), if really held in the heart, and not as a theory or speculative fancy.

So let us not make too much of any signs when seen, but use them rather as handmaids of faith, to quicken our desires for "that day," praying in joyful expectation that last prayer in Scripture, in response to His word, "Surely, I come quickly," "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" C. K.