New President of the United States
In January Mr Ronald Reagan was sworn in as 40th President of the United States of America. He comes to the White House at a difficult time in the history of America, the nation having been humiliated by the hostage crisis when Iranian students seized her diplomats in Teheran and held them captive for 444 days. President Reagan has also to face up to the very real threat of Russian communist expansion and its recent armed occupation of Afghanistan. Like Great Britain, America has to a considerable degree forsaken the teachings of God’s Word. Only a return to the Bible can change the state of affairs in both countries. If President Reagan and the people of America give heed to the text on the open page of the Bible on which the President took the oath of office then there would be good hope for America. The Bible lay open at 2 Chron. 7:14, “If my people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from My wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” May Britain follow the same course.
Violent Death Rate in Scotland
The latest figures issued show that the violent death rate for Scotland rose by 15 p.c. in the last year. A total of 84 persons died violent deaths in the country. This figure, though not as high as 1976 and 1977 when the figure rose above the 100 mark, is alarming and shows the serious state to which lawlessness has risen in the land. The sin of murder has become so common that it no longer causes the feeling of revulsion which it once did. This is not because this sin has become any less heinous in God’s sight, but only because men have ceased to be affected by it as they ought. What need there is for a return to the Word of God as the only rule to guide us nationally and individually.
Scotland and Drink
In Scotland alcoholism has become a serious problem. In recent times under-age drinking has caused great concern and this early addiction to strong drink is likely to increase the cases of alcoholism in the future. Grampian Region report that under-age drinking is a serious and growing problem in their area. The production of whisky is one of the main industries in Scotland, yet the baneful effects of the misuse of intoxicating liquor cannot be fully measured. We fear that so far as much of this trade is concerned, it will bring many to an early grave and will bring misery in this life itself to thousands of people throughout our land. Those who grow rich at the expense of that misery will yet have to give account to God for their part in it. May the day speedily come in Scotland when strong drink will no longer be abused by the people of the land. Only a day of God’s power throughout the nation will bring this about.