Eastern Question Proof Documents

BOTH the Papacy (Man of Sin of 2 Thess 2:3) and Turkey (King of the North of Daniel 11:45) have end-time rolls to play in the prophetic line of history. Thus, it is stated:

There is need of a much closer study of the word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work. We may have less to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the papacy; but we should call attention to what the prophets and apostles have written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God.” {TM 112.1}

Please Note:
Many folks are unaware that the King of the North is the same as theEastern Question.” This understanding can help settle much confusion on this subject. Sister White did indeed endorse the KON/ Eastern Question.
And part of the on-going Ottoman/ Turkish history of “the Eastern Question/ KON” of Revelation Chapter 9 was fulfilled Aug 11, 1840 (GC 334-35) of which will finally reach its final fulfillment at the close of probation (Matt 24:32-34 & Dan 12:1) followed by its destruction under the 6th plague, followed by Armagheddon & the return of Christ under the 7th plague.

“God alone can make the impression and give the increase. He alone can water the seed that has been sown. I pray to the Lord that the labor put forth may not be in vain. Many seem to feel deeply. We feel to thank and praise God that this large number could have a chance to hear the truth for themselves. Dr. Caro is now speaking at five o’clock p.m. upon the health question. Elder Daniel’s speaks this evening upon the Eastern Question. May the Lord give His Holy Spirit to inspire the hearts to make the truth plain. {Ms189-1898.9} Monday, December 26, 1898

The interest in Daniel and the Revelation (Uriah Smith’s book- 1897) is to continue as long as probationary time shall last. God used the author of this book as a channel through which to communicate light to direct minds to the truth. Shall we not appreciate this light, which points us to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, our King?” {1MR 63.1} 1899 (Smith taught that the King of the North is Turkey)

Elder [Uriah] Smith spoke on the Sabbath question to a large congregation this morning, and this evening he speaks on the Eastern questionI feel so grateful that Brother Smith is not lost to the cause. He seems fully and thoroughly united with us; seems like Brother Smith of old. Oh, thank the Lord! Praise His Holy Name, that His love, His wondrous love has been exercised toward the children of men. It is so dark, I must stop. Will write you tomorrow. {Lt55-1884.6}
Aug. 25, 11:00 a.m.
The first two pages were written Sunday after I had spoken to the crowd. The evening meeting was largely attended. Elder Smith spoke with great clearness, and many listened with open eyes, ears, and mouths. The outsiders seemed to be intensely interested in the Eastern questionHe closed with a very solemn address to those who had not been preparing for these great events in the near future.” {Lt55-1884.7} 


Extract from “Our Day in the Light of Prophecy” by W.A. Spicer, pgs. 321-22:

THE EASTERN QUESTION
MODERN HISTORY IN THE LIGHT OF ANCIENT PROPHECY 

NOT alone of the history of ancient nations does the “sure word of prophecy” bear witness. Political events of our own and coming days are described. 

The nations of the latter day are pictured as preparing war, gathering their forces for the great Armageddon, the battle of the day of God. 

As a signal of the last great struggle, the fall, or “drying up,” of the power ruling the territory watered by the river Euphrates is foretold. Rev. 16: 12. The Euphrates in all modern history has been suggestive of the dominions of the Turkish or Ottoman Empire. And Armageddon, designated as the meeting place of armies in the last clash of nations, is in Palestine, which, through all modern times, has been in possession of the Turkish power. 

The index finger of prophecy points, therefore, to this region of the eastern Mediterranean as the pivotal point in the closing history of nations; and with Turkey’s fate is wrapped up the fate of all the nations of the world

All this adds deepest and most solemn import to the study of what is known as the Eastern Question, a question that has been to the fore in international politics much of the time throughout this generation. Wars have been fought over it, cabinets have wrestled with it, and still it holds its place in the first rank of living issues of today. 

As every one knows, the Eastern Question involves the dominion or supremacy in the Near East. This region was a pivotal point in the struggles of the nations in ancient times — the meeting place of East and West. Maspero, historian of ancient empires, says of it: 

“Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle fields of the contending nations. . . . The nations around are eager for the possession of a country thus situated. . . . From remote antiquity Syria was in the condition just described. By its position it formed a kind of meeting place, where most of the military nations of the ancient world were bound sooner or later to come violently into collision.”—”Struggle of the Nations,” chap. I. 

It is not strange, therefore, that one of the great outlines of historic prophecy should deal with events centering around this pivotal region. The prophecy of Daniel 11 does so, outlining the course of history from ancient times to the final solution of the Eastern Question amid the scenes of the end.

The Turkish Revolution No. 5A
Triangular Question
by Percy T. Magan

For more than half a century the Seventh – day Adventist people have maintained that the scripture plainly teach that in the last days the Ottoman Empire in Europe will come to an end, and that following this there will be a world-wide war — a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, to even the same time.” And we have further declared that according to the Word of God this universal war would terminate in the battle of Armageddon, the end of the world, and the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Vol 5, RH Aug 5, 1909, p 532

Time of trouble is the pouring out of the 7 last plagues. Christ returns between the 6th & 7th plague.

The following “proof” documents show the unanimous position taught & held by our pioneers, for over 100 years (since 1854), that Turkey is the King of the North.

1854- James White, ARSH, Dec 12, 1854:

Commenting on Daniel 11:44:

Therefore, the “he” in Daniel 11:45 is Turkey:

1877 Boston Evening Journal
1877 Boston Evening Journal (article enlarged)
1884 Review and Herald page 5 Turkey KON come to end by 6th Plague Armageddon
1884 Worcester Daily Spy about the ‘Eastern Question’
1884 Worcester Daily Spy (article enlarged)
1888 Bible Readings TheEasternQuestion- A LITERAL Prophecy
1892 Review Hearld page 8 Turkey KON Dan 11-45 Ends,Michael Stands up Probation Ends Rev 16-2 Dried up
1897 The Morning News (article enlarged)
1899 Geelong Advertiser
1899 Geelong Advertiser article on page 4 (enlarged article)
1904 Sabbath School Quarterly #35 Jan 1, 1904 on Eastern Question (see pages 24-35)
1904 Sabbath School Quarterly #36 April 1, 1904 on Daniel Chapter 11
1905 Advent Review page 18 Turkey is KON
1912 Outline Lessons in Prophetic History by the Dept of Education of the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists [covers Eastern Question, page 17}
1913 Bible Training School page 62 Haskell Dan 11:45 Turkey KON History Ottoman Empire 1840
1914 Review & Herald pages 3-5 Eastern Question History by Butler page 15 Dan 11:45 End is near 110 years early
1915 Lake Union Herald page 5 Soon the king of the north will pitch his tabernacle at Jerusalem A. V. Morrison
1915 Liberty Pages 7-11 Turkey KON Extinction
1915 The Gospel Herald King of the North or the Heads and Horns of Revelation 17
1916 The Eastern Question (Signs of the Times)
1916 The Eastern Question by Daniells
1919 Lake Union Herald page 2 Turkey KON WILLIAM GUTHRIE
1919 RH pages 3, 4, 8
1919 Source book for Bible Students Eastern Question Part 1
1919 Source Book for Bible Students Eastern Question Part 2
1919 Source Book Seven Churches, Seals & Trumpets
1922 Canadian Watchman pages 1-3 Turkey KON will come to end someday then Jesus will Come again
1923 COLUMBIA UNION page 8 old view Turkey KON
1923 Lake Union Herald page 12 NEW EDITION DANIEL ELEVEN, NARRATED Turkey KON
1930 Review Herald pages 2, 8, 9, 13 Very GOOD Turkey KON Explains History
1939 The Watchman VERY GOOD Pages 2, 15, 18 Turkey KON 1840 History of KON Turkey
1940 Watchman VERY GOOD Pages 2, 13 Turkey KON 1840 History of KON Turkey Armageddon
1949 Bible Reading page 300 Turkey KON
1952 Canadian Signs Page 2 Turkey KON Prophecy a circumstance will arise Turkey won’t receive Western Help
1952 Principles of Life (entire book)
1952 Principles of Life SDA Bible Doctrine (article from book)
1974 Adventist Heritage Magazine 1974 page 31

And now we see that the church has abandoned the true biblical & pioneer foundational LITERAL (based on geographical location) teaching of Daniel 11:45 (Turkey as the King of the North) and has instead, adopted an erroneous SPIRITUAL (SYMBOLIC) teaching of the Papacy as representing the King of the North.

2020 Sabbath School Quarterly Papacy is King of the North

There is need of a much closer study of the Word of God; especially should Daniel and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work. We may have less to say in some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the papacy, but we should call attention to what the prophets and apostles have written under the inspiration of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit has so shaped matters, both in the giving of the prophecy and in the events portrayed, as to teach that the human agent is to be kept out of sight, hid in Christ, and the Lord God of heaven and His law are to be exalted.
{Lt57-1896.4} CW 65.1/ Ev 577.1

Ottoman Empire in Prophecy

     Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. Revelation 9:14, 15.  {Mar 152.1}
     The history of nations that one after another have occupied their allotted time and place, unconsciously witnessing to the truth of which they themselves knew not the meaning, speaks to us. To every nation and to every individual of today God has assigned a place in His great plan. Today men and nations are being measured by the plummet in the hand of Him who makes no mistake. All are by their own choice deciding their destiny, and God is overruling all for the accomplishment of His purposes. . . .  {Mar 152.2}     
All that prophecy has foretold as coming to pass, until the present time, has been traced on the pages of history, and we may be assured that all which is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order.  {Mar 152.3}  
    In the year 1840, another remarkable fulfilment of prophecy excited widespread interest. Two years before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the second advent, published an exposition of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the Ottoman empire. According to his calculations, this power was to be overthrown “in A.D. 1840, sometime in the month of August;” and only a few days previous to its accomplishment he wrote: “Allowing the first period, 150 years, to have been exactly fulfilled before Deacozes ascended the throne by permission of the Turks, and that the 391 years, fifteen days, commenced at the close of the first period, it will end on the 11th of August, 1840, when the Ottoman power in Constantinople may be expected to be broken. And this, I believe, will be found to be the case.”–Josiah Litch, in Signs of the Times, and Expositor of Prophecy, Aug. 1, 1840.  {Mar 152.4}     
At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambassadors, accepted the protection of the allied powers of Europe, and thus placed herself under the control of Christian nations. The event exactly fulfilled the prediction (6th trumpet fulfilled on Aug 11, 1840. 7th trumpet follows and began in 1844). . . . A wonderful impetus was given to the advent movement.  {Mar 152.5} (italics added)

In 1904 the conference issued Sabbath School manual dealt directly with Daniel. It finishes up with the Eastern Question. Brethren, was EGW alive in 1904? Yes! Was she still active in the church? Yes! Did she attend Sabbath School lessons? Yes! Would she have sat there silently while the Sabbath school teachers taught something that was erroneous? No! Beloved, put down your pride and preconceived notions that are not supported by the pillars of this Movement. Go back to your historical pioneer books, not to men or books of a new order. You’re kicking against the pricks. Time is short! This is truth!!!

In the year 1840 another remarkable fulfillment of prophecy excited widespread interest. Two years before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the second advent, published an exposition of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the Ottoman Empire. According to his calculations, this power was to be overthrown “in A.D. 1840, sometime in the month of August;” and only a few days previous to its accomplishment he wrote: “Allowing the first period, 150 years, to have been exactly fulfilled before Deacozes ascended the throne by permission of the Turks, and that the 391 years, fifteen days, commenced at the close of the first period, it will end on the 11th of August, 1840, when the Ottoman power in Constantinople may be expected to be broken. And this, I believe, will be found to be the case.”—Josiah Litch, in Signs of the Times, and Expositor of Prophecy, August 1, 1840.
At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambassadors, accepted the protection of the allied powers of Europe, and thus placed herself under the control of Christian nations. The event exactly fulfilled the prediction. (See Appendix.) When it became known, multitudes were convinced of the correctness of the principles of prophetic interpretation adopted by Miller and his associates, and a wonderful impetus was given to the advent movement. Men of learning and position united with Miller, both in preaching and in publishing his views, and from 1840 to 1844 the work rapidly extended. {GC 334.4-335.1}

Appendix~

Page 335. Fall of the Ottoman Empire.—The impact of Moslem Turkey upon Europe after the fall of Constantinople in 1453 was as severe as had been the catastrophic conquests of the Moslem Saracens, during the century and a half after the death of Mohammed, upon the Eastern Roman Empire. Throughout the Reformation era, Turkey was a continual threat at the Eastern gates of European Christendom; the writings of the Reformers are full of condemnation of the Ottoman power. Christian writers since have been concerned with the role of Turkey in future world events, and commentators on prophecy have seen Turkish power and its decline forecast in Scripture. {GC 691.1}
For the latter chapter, under the “hour, day, month, year” prophecy, as part of the sixth trumpet, Josiah Litch worked out an application of the time prophecy, terminating Turkish independence in August, 1840. Litch’s view can be found in full in his The Probability of the Second Coming of Christ about A.D. 1843 (published in June, 1838); An Address to the Clergy (published in the spring of 1840; a second edition, with historical data in support of the accuracy of former calculations of the prophetic period extending to the fall of the Ottoman Empire, was published in 1841); and an article in Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy, August 1, 1840. See also article in The Signs of the Times and Expositor of Prophecy, February 1, 1841; and J. N. Loughborough, The Great Second Advent Movement (1905 ed.), pp. 129-132. The book by Uriah Smith, Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation, rev. ed. of 1944, discusses the prophetic timing of this prophecy on pages 506-517. {GC 691.2}
For the earlier history of the Ottoman Empire and the decline of the Turkish power, see also William Miller, The Ottoman Empire and Its Successors, 1801-1927 (Cambridge, England: University Press, 1936); George G. S. L. Eversley, The Turkish Empire from 1288 to 1914 (London : T. Fisher Unwin, Ltd., 2d ed., 1923); Joseph von Hammer-Purgstall, Geschichte des Osmannischen Reiches (Pesth: C. A. Hartleben, 2d ed., 1834-36), 4 vols.; Herbert A. Gibbons, Foundation of the Ottoman Empire, 1300-1403 (Oxford: University Press, 1916); Arnold J. Toynbee and Kenneth B. Kirkwood, Turkey (London, 1926). {GC 691.3}

Our Pioneers Unanimously Speak

“I have been shown that the greatest reason why the people of God are now found in this state of spiritual blindness is that they will not receive correction. Many have despised the reproofs and warnings given them. The True Witness condemns the lukewarm condition of the people of God, which gives Satan great power over them in this waiting, watching time. The selfish, the proud, and the lovers of sin are ever assailed with doubts. Satan has ability to suggest doubts and to devise objections to the pointed testimony that God sends, and many think it a virtue, a mark of intelligence in them, to be unbelieving and to question and quibble. Those who desire to doubt will have plenty of room. God does not propose to remove all occasion for unbelief. He gives evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and a teachable spirit, and all should decide from the weight of evidence.”
3T 255.1

00-Habakkuk’s Tables -An Exhortation

1-Captain Joseph Bates-Truth Plain Upon Tables

1a-Habakkuk, Fitch & Nichols -Pillars of Faith

1b-Habakkuk -Two or Three Witnesses

2-O. R. L. Crosier -True light on the Sanctuary, Mystery

2a-Snares of Satan -Deception

3-William Miller -Commencement of Chain of Truth

3a-William Miller -The “Daily”

4-Stephan Haskell -5th & 6th Trumpets

5-W. W. Simpson -“Sound on every point of our faith”

6-Loughborough -Millions Moved

7-Uriah Smith -“A Channel thorough which to communicate light.”

8-H. E. Robinson -Daniel, a Literal Prophecy; Armageddon

9-James White -King of North, Symbols thrown off, A Literal Prophecy

10- A.T. Jones Battle of Armageddon, The Third Angel’s Message, Get ready, Get ready, Get, Ready

11- Hiram EdsonThe Vision of Revelation Chapter 10 Had Spoken and Did Not Lie

12- Sister Ellen G. White Held same position as our pioneers on the King of the North

13- J. B. Cook– The Doctrine of Providence

14- Josiah Litch– Predicted Fall of Ottoman Empire

15 Other Pioneers– The Weight of Evidence

more pioneers will be added as time permits

The Turkish Revolution No. 5A

Triangular Question
by Percy T. Magan

For more than half a century the Seventh – day Adventist people have maintained that the scripture plainly teach that in the last days the Ottoman Empire in Europe will come to an end, and that following this there will be a world-wide war — a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, to even the same time.” And we have further declared that according to the Word of God this universal war would terminate in the battle of Armageddon, the end of the world, and the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Vol 5, RH Aug 5, 1909, p 532

Time of trouble is the pouring out of the 7 last plagues. Christ returns between the 6th & 7th plague.

Extract from “Bible Doctrines” by O.A Johnson, pgs. 223-24:

XVIII.

End of Controversy.

LESSON CXLIIL

THE LAST GREAT WAR, THE BATTLE Of ARMAGEDDON.


1. The following scriptures speak of a war in which all nations will take part at the end of time: Rev. 16: 12-21; Joel 3: 9-14; Eze. 38: 1-22; Jer. 25: 15-33. 

2. There is reason to believe that battles may be fought:
    (a) In the valley of Jehoshaphat, near Jerusalem.  Joel 3: 12. 

    (b) At Armageddon, Mt. Megiddo, north of Samaria. Rev. 16: 12-16.
    (c) In the land of Israel, Palestine. Eze. 38: 8, 16. 

3.This war will take place: 
    (a) In the latter days. Eze. 38: 8, 16.
    (b) At the last great harvest. Joel 3:13; Rev. 14: 14-16.
    (c) In the day of the Lord’s wrath, at the time of the plagues. Jer. 25: 15, 27-29; Rev. 15: 1; 16: 12-17. 
4. The following nations will take part in this final war: 

    (a) The dragon (pagan nations), the beast (European Catholic nations) and the false prophet (the United States). Rev. 16: 12, 14.  

    (b) God, Tubal (Tobolsk), Mesheck (Moscow cities and provinces in Europe and Siberia), Gomer (European nations descended from Gomer) and Togarmah (Armenia). Eze. 38:1-6. · 

    (c) Persia in Asia, and Ethiopia and Lybia in Africa.  Eze. 38: 5. 

    (d) And the kings of the north, which must include the Scandinavian kingdoms. Jer. 25: 26; Eze. 38: 15. 

    (e) The kings of the east—- Persia, India, China, Japan, etc. Rev. 16: 12. 

    (f) Even all the kings or the earth. Rev. 16: 14; Jer. 25: 26

5. Satan is the instigator or this war. Rev. 16: 13, 14.

6. The cause of this war is the drying up of the river Euphrates; that is, the wasting away of Turkey and its expulsion from Europe. Rev. 16: 12; Isa. 8: 7; Dan. 11: 44, 45

Note.— When the Turks shall have been banished from Europe and shall have located in Jerusalem (Dan. 11:45), then this will be sufficient reason for the Mohammedans to proclaim a holy war and call upon the millions of their people and Pagans east of the Euphrates to avenge themselves upon the Christian nations, all of which would result in a universal war. 

7. There will evidently be two great armies: the Mohammedan and pagan nations to the east, against the Christian nations of the west. Rev. 16: 12. 

8. Preparations for this war have been and are still unconsciously going on. Joel 3: 9-14; Rev. 16: 12, 13. 

9. This war is stayed till after the sealing of God’s servants. Rev. 7: 1-4. 

10. These armies will finally be destroyed by fire and hail sent upon them from God. Rev. 16: 15-21; Eze. 38: 19-22; Jer. 25: 30-33.
11. This ends the last great war among the nations of the earth.

King of the North is a Salvational Topic!

The John Bell Letter
Danger in Striking Against the Visions
Prophetic History Admonition to All Adventists

Regarding Ottoman Turk Prediction in Great Controversy

A message from a dear fellow Adventist Brother who addresses Adventists who attempt to deny Sister White’s writings [ie. by stating that she did not write Josiah Litch’s prediction of Aug. 11, 1840 in GC (which was past history under the sounding of the 6th trumpet when the Ottoman Empire lost its supremacy. — We are now under the sounding of the 7th trumpet since 1844)], by stating that Uriah Smith changed/ edited her GC book.:

“While praying this morning I was inspired to share these lines with you in regard to folks who reject that EGW wrote the 1888 version of GC and or that Uriah Smith edited it. If that were true EGW, the prophet, would have known (if she was a prophet) and condemned Smith’s literary liberty taken against the Word of God. EGW must have been feeble and ignorant to have let this pass unchecked.  IMPOSSIBLE to say the very least! 

2 Thess. 2: 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Like the fallen apostate Protestant churches of the early 1800’s, who rejected the prophecies of Rev. 9, and the Three Angels Messages, anyone who rejects the truth, which can ONLY come to us from the Holy Spirit, will only receive strong delusions after that. God has nothing else to send us because the Holy Spirit is He who seals us. He sealed the disciples on Pentecost! 
So, for those who refuse to accept the truth, they are headed down a very dark and almost irreversible path
If Ellen White was then alive and allowed anyone, Uriah Smith included, to change her writings without rebuking him, she at that point ceased to be a prophet, for a prophet is a seer and the Word tells us in 1 Sam. 9:6 & 9:

6 And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.
9 (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.)

This is Saul’s assistant telling that they should go to the seer (Samuel) that he might find his lost sheep. 
The word says this about Samuel’s character… 

1 Sam. 3:19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

This is no fluke nor mincing of words. We cannot ch0ose what comes from a prophet and determine in our our fallen nature what we want to hear and accept and reject at will
Further we see this about how serious David took the Word of a prophet in 2 Sam. 24:11, 12. 

11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the LORD came unto the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, 12 Go and say unto David, Thus saith the LORD, I offer thee three things; choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.

Therefore, if the people of God conscientiously decide to ignore God’s word when it comes from the Bible or the Spirit of Prophecy, because it works cross purposes against their personal feelings, they are not only rejecting the Bible or the Spirit of God, they are rejecting God. Ignorance is never an excuse when we have God’s Word at our disposal. 

2 Chron. 20: 20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”

Maranatha 

Bible Readings from the Home Circle

What Did the Early Adventist Church Teach About the Eastern Question?

(Please note, 1888 Bible Readings was compiled by over a score of our pioneer brethren. This was not written by one author.)

The Sure Word of Prophecy

Chapter 65. (from 1914 Bible Readings for the Home Circle)

The Eastern Question

1. WHAT, briefly stated, is the Eastern question?
The driving out of Turkey from Europe, and the final extinction of the Turkish Empire, with the world-embracing events that follow. It has been otherwise described as “the driving of the Turk into Asia, and a scramble for his territory.”

2. What scriptures are devoted to the Turkish power?
Dan. 11:40-45; Revelation 9; and Rev. 16:12.

NOTE.-In the eleventh chapter of Daniel Turkey is dealt with under the title of the “king of the north;” in Revelation 9, under the Bounding of the fifth and sixth ” trumpets; ” and in Revelation 16, under the symbol of the drying up of the water of the chief river of the Turkish Asiatic possessions, “the great river Euphrates.” The actual drying up of the river Euphrates was the signal for the overthrow of ancient Babylon.

3. When did Turkey take Constantinople, and thus the northern division of ancient Greece and Rome?
In A.D. 1453, under Mohammed II. See chapter 64.

NOTE.-After the death of Alexander the Great the Grecian Empire was divided by his four leading generals, Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy, into four parts,- east, west, north, and south,-the first three of which were shortly afterward absorbed into one kingdom, the kingdom of the north, Egypt remaining the king, or kingdom, of the south. In the breaking up of the Roman Empire the Turks gained possession of the Holy Land in A. D. 1058, and finally of Constantinople, and considerable portions of eastern Europe,-the kingdom of the north,-in 1453, to which, with varying fortunes and shrinking geographical boundaries, it as held ever since.

Page 297

4. How has Turkey been regarded by European nations?
“The Turks have ever remained quite insensible to the influences of European civilization, and their government has been a perfect blight and curse to the countries subject to their rule. They have always been looked upon as intruders in Europe; and their presence there has led to several of the most sanguinary wars of modern times. Gradually they have been pushed out, from their European possessions, and the time is probably not very far distant when they will be driven back across the Bosporus.”-Myers’s “General History,” edition 1902, page 463.

5. When did the independence of Turkey cease?
In 1840, at the close of a two years’ war between Turkey and Egypt, when the fate of Turkey was placed in the hands of four great powers of Europe,-England, Russia, Austria, and Prussia. See reading in Chapter 64. of this book.

6. What is one of the last predictions of the prophecy of Daniel concerning the king of the north?
“But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him : therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.” Dan. 11:44.

NOTE.-Upon this, Dr. Adam Clarke, writing in 1825, said: “If the Turkish power be understood, as in the preceding verses, it may mean that the Persians on the east and the Russians on the north will at some time greatly embarrass the Ottoman government.” Such indeed was the case, and these conditions brought on the Crimean war of 1853-56: between Russia and Turkey. In this war England and France came to the help of Turkey, and prevented Russia from grasping Constantinople, her coveted prize, and thus gaining access to the Dardanelles and the Mediterranean Sea, and so possessing herself of the gateway of commerce between Europe and Asia. Without an outlet to the sea, Russia cannot be a strong naval power. In his celebrated will, Peter the Great of Russia (1672-1725) admonished his countrymen thus: “Take every possible means of gaining Constantinople and the Indies, for,” said he, “he who rules there will be the true sovereign of the world; excite war continually in Turkey and Persia; . . . get control of the sea by degrees; . . . advance to the Indies, which are the great depot of the world. Once there, we can do without the gold of England.” The authenticity of this will has been questioned, but it outlines a policy which Russia has quite faithfully pursued.

7. What since 1840 has saved Turkey from complete overthrow?
The help and interference of various European powers.

NOTE.-“It is not too much to say that England has twice saved Turkey from complete subjection since 1853. It is largely-mainly-due to our action that she now exists at all as an independent power. On both these occasions we dragged the powers of Europe along with us in maintaining the Ottoman government.”-Duke of Argyle (1895), in ” The Turkish-Armemian Question,” page 17.

Page 298

8. Why have these powers thus helped Turkey?
Not from love for Turkey, but for fear of the international complications that its downfall might entail.

NOTES.-In his Mansion House speech, Nov. 9., 1895, Lord Salisbury, responding to a wide-spread demand for the overthrow of the Turkish power, said: “Turkey is in that remarkable condition that it has now stood for half a century, mainly because the great powers of the world have resolved that for the peace of Christendom it is necessary that the Ottoman Empire should stand. They came to that conclusion nearly half a century ago. I do not think they have altered it now. 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 other nations, and should involve all that is most powerful and civilized in Europe in a dangerous and calamitous contest. That was a danger that was present to the minds of our fathers when they resolved to make the integrity and independence of the Ottoman Empire a matter of European treaty, and that is a danger WHICH HAS NOT PASSED AWAY.”
“The Balkan, or Near Eastern, question has been one of the most complicated political problems of the world’s history for half a century. . . . For four centuries and a half, or ever since the conquering Turk crossed the Bosporus and took Constantinople, the grim contest has been on to dislodge him by war and diplomacy.”-American Review of Reviews, November, 1912.
Nearly a century ago, Napoleon, while a prisoner on St. Helena, explained that when emperor of France, he would not consent for Alexander, the czar of Russia, to have Constantinople.. “foreseeing that the equilibrium of Europe would be destroyed.”

9. What is the divine prediction regarding the future and final downfall of the king of the north?
“And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain: yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” Dan. 11:45.

NOTE.-It would seem natural that the Ottoman government should make its last stand at Jerusalem. Around the city of the Holy Sepulcher and the tombs of the “saints” has been waged for long years a war between the followers of Islam and the believers in the Christian religion. In this place, many Bible students believe, Turkey will come to her end in fulfillment of this scripture.

10. Under which of the seven last plagues is the water of the Euphrates (Turkey) to be dried up, and for what purpose?
“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the East might be prepared.” Rev. 16:12.

NOTE.-For years the drying-up process of the Turkish Empire has been in progress, as may be seen from the following:-
(1) In 1783 Turkey was compelled to surrender to Russia the territory of the Crimea, including all the countries east of the Caspian Sea.
(2) In 1828 Greece secured her independence.
(3) In 1830 Algeria was ceded to France.
(4) In 1867 Turkey was forced to recognize the independence of Egypt.
(5) In the same year Turkey lost possession of Servia and Bosnia.
(6) In 1878 the Treaty of Berlin granted autonomous government to Bulgaria, and independence to Roumelia, Roumania, and Montenegro. 
(7) In 1912 Tripoli was taken over by Italy.
(8) In 1912 and 1913 the Balkan States and Greece dispossessed Turkey of nearly all of her remaining territory in Europe.

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11. Under this plague, what incites the nations to war?
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Verses 13,14.

12. At this time, what event is near at hand?
“Behold, 
come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Verse 15.

13. To what place will the nations be gathered for battle?
“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” Verse 16.

NOTE.-Armageddon consists of a great triangular plain in northern Palestine, twelve by fifteen by eighteen miles, extending southeast from Mt. Carmel, otherwise known as the plain of Esdraelon, or valley of Jezreel. It has been the scene of many great battles, such as that of Gideon’s overthrow of the Midianites (Judges 6,7), when “the Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow;’ of Saul’s defeat by the Philistines (1 Sam. 29:1; 1 Chronicles 10) ; and of Josiah’s defeat by Pharaoh Necho (2 Kings 23:29,30; 2 Chron. 35:20-24): and, as this scripture indicates, it is the place where, under the influence of evil spirits just preceding Christ’s second coming, the great armies of the world will be gathered for their final struggle and utter destruction under the seventh plague.

14. When the king of the north comes to his end, what, according to the prophecy, is to take place?
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Dan. 12:1.

NOTE.-The expression “stand up” occurs eight times in this line of prophecy (Daniel 11 and 12), and in each case means to reign. See Dan. 11:2,3,4,7,14,20,21; 12:1. Michael is Christ, as will be seen by comparing Jude 9, 1 Thess. 4:16, and John 5:25. When the Turkish Empire is brought to an end, therefore, the time will have come for Christ to receive His kingdom (Luke 19:11-15), and begin His reign. This great change will be ushered in by the downfall, not only of Turkey, but of all nations (Rev. 11:15); by the time of trouble here spoken of; by the seven last plagues described in Revelation 16; and by the deliverance of all God’s people,-those whose names are found written in the book of life (Rev. 3:5; 20:12),-which shows that probation and the investigative judgment will then be past.

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15. What will take place at this time?
“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Verse 2.

NOTES.-At the resurrection of Christ there was a special resurrection, when many of the saints were raised from the dead, were seen of many, and were taken to heaven with Christ at His ascension. Matt. 27:52,53; Eph. 4:8. So, just prior to Christ’s second coming and the general resurrection of the righteous, many of the sleeping saints, and some colossal sinners (those that “pierced Him,” Rev. 1:7), it seems, will be raised to witness His coming, and hear God’s covenant of peace with His people.
This line of prophecy, therefore, brings us down to the resurrection of the righteous, which takes place at the second advent.

16. What false message will go forth before destruction comes upon those unprepared for Christ’s coming and kingdom?
“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, . . . and they shall not escape.” 1 Thess. 5:2,3.

NOTE.-The so-called Christian nations will not go to Palestine merely to expel the Turks from the land. As in the crusades of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the idea will be to rescue the Holy Land from the Mohammedans, and make Jerusalem the center of a glorious kingdom, with Christ as king. The Papacy itself, it is thought by some, will at this time remove its seat to Jerusalem, and issue a great peace proclamation, directing the nations to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks, and calling upon all to come up to the mountain of the Lord, as described in Isa. 2:2-5 and Micah 4:1-5. Infatuated by the doctrine of a temporal millennium, many nations will join in the call, and say, “For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Isa. 2:3. But this will be but the signal for the battle of Armageddon and the “sudden destruction” that is to overtake the world and bring to an end the present order of things. See Rev. 19:17-21; Eze. 38:14-23; 39:17-22. Toward this consummation passing events all indicate we are rapidly hastening.

Watchman on the walls of Zion,
What, O tell us, of the night?
Is the day-star now arising?
Will the morn soon greet our sight?
O’er your vision shine there now some rays of light?

Tell, O tell us, are the landmarks
On our voyage all passed by?
Are we nearing now the haven?
Can we e’en the land descry?
Do we truly see the heavenly kingdom nigh?