In a recent issue of "The Literary Digest" there appeared an interesting but sorrowful account of the strides that the present apostasy is making in a certain section of the United States. A carefully prepared questionnaire, covering all the great foundation-truths of Christianity, was sent out by the North-western University to some 1500 Protestant ministers and theological students in Chicago and its suburbs. About 700 answers were received, representing 20 denominations. The printed result shows the alarming change that is taking place in the realm of religious thinking. Of the 200 students who replied to the questionnaire, 16 affirmed their belief in "the visible bodily second coming of Jesus," 22 in the actual location of hell, and 18 in the existence of the Devil. The rest confessed uncertainty or positive disbelief. On one point, and only one, were ministers and students 100% unanimous-the existence of God.

If this report were the result of an investigation conducted among young people reared and trained in an avowedly Communistic or atheistic atmosphere, it would not be surprising. But the fact that these are the convictions of students of theology, the coming leaders of religious thought, is full of sinister significance. The spiritual barometer forecasts foul weather. Ominous black clouds are gathering over poor Christless Christendom. The light is fast being displaced by the darkness of rationalism and unbelief. But Bible-believing Christians know that the storm cannot break until,

"Jesus will come in the fulness of glory.
To receive from the world 'His own.'"

Christian brother, do these things discourage you? If so, they should not. On the contrary they should cause us' to scan the skies with renewed expectancy, for these are but signs of the dawn. The "sure Word of Prophecy" clearly foretells "that there shall come in the last days scoffers walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming?"

The fact that they deny the Lord's return is a sure indication that it is about to be realized. So although the watchman cries, "The night cometh!" he immediately adds, "And also the morn." Then truly "the night is far spent and the day is at hand." The reveille-call announcing His imminent coming is loudly heard in the numerous signs of the times about us. Soon all will be reality, and our Lord's return will be in the past tense. During the Prince of Wales' last visit to Toronto thousands of curious citizens thronged the crowded streets to catch even a glimpse of His Royal Highness. The broiling sun and congested thoroughfares could not dampen the enthusiasm. No amount of tiresome waiting was considered too much in exchange for a sight of his face.

Soon the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Glory, will descend for His own purchased people, of whom it is written, "And they shall see His face." One look at that face which was "marred more than any man" on Calvary, will be abundant recompense for anything suffered for Him during His absence. So while we see God's Book being carelessly disregarded and the faith is increasingly denied, let us endeavor to give a clear testimony by lip and life to our Lord Jesus Christ, God's supreme Revelation, remembering His word, "Hold fast till I come!" C. E. Tatham.