Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 64:256 (Oct 1907)
Article: The World’s Greatest Era
Author: Raymond L. Bridgman

BSac 64:256 (Oct 1907) p. 713

The World’s Greatest Era

Raymond L. Bridgman

In this article the proposition is maintained, that, in the natural development of the human race upon the earth, no era of the unmeasured past or of the unfathomable future has been, or will be, equal in importance to the era in which wie are now living. The word “natural” is used, in order to admit that the era of the introduction of the Christian religion as supernatural is more important. With the exception of that supernatural event, the proposition here maintained is, that no era of human history, past or future, will ever, in historic retrospect, equal in importance the era of which these current years are a part. This is the fact which makes this era of supreme importance, namely, that it is witnessing the organization of the human race into one formal political body, with political organs for the service of the entire race. When this process shall have been completed, the race, as one complete and organic whole, will be supplied, as other adequately endowed political bodies are supplied, with the three political departments—no more and no less— which are indispensable for the necessary service of the political body; namely, the legislative, the judicial, and the executive. This generation is the most fortunate of all the generations of men, from primitive man to the end of human life on the planet, as far as relates to the inestimable privilege of being on earth during the most important era in the development of the race. Other generations may well envy us

BSac 64:256 (Oct 1907) p. 714

our privilege. If any men in the past foresaw this age, they must have longed to see it actually present. Hereafter, men, looking back upon the critical years, will wish that they had been here to share in the development.

This is the broad truth which is maintained in the demonstration following, that all of the historic forces in the past— whatever is involved in political history, in invention, in trade, travel, and social intercourse, in official national relations, and in all other human activities which bring men together— converge upon this era to the end of bringing all the nations into one organic whole. After that organization shall have been accomplished, then, whatever development may occur in the millions of years which may remain to mankind upon the earth will see only improvement upon, or modification of, conditions established or consequent upon the immensely important era through which mankind is now passing. Doubtless it will be true that the accomplishments of the race will be far greater in years to come than in any of the years of this era. Doubtless the comforts and luxuries of the future will far exceed those of our day. But those improved conditions will be the outcome ...