“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to _give them meat in due season_?” Matt. 24:45. NOTE.—The “meat in due season” here spoken of evidently refers to the proclamation of the message based upon the signs which indicate the near approach of the Lord. The preaching of this message is what causes scoffers mockingly to ask, “Where is the _promise of His coming_?” 18. What are all admonished to do when these signs have appeared? “Therefore _be ye also ready_: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Verse 44. 19. How will Christ’s coming overtake those evil servants who say in their hearts, “My Lord delayeth His coming”? “The lord of that servant shall come in a day _when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of_, and shall _cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites_: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Verses 50, 51. ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ We know not the hour of the Master’s appearing, Yet signs all foretell that the moment is nearing When He shall return,—’tis a promise most cheering,— But we know not the hour. There’s light for the wise who are seeking salvation, There’s truth in the Book of the Lord’s revelation, Each prophecy points to the great consummation,— But we know not the hour. We’ll watch and we’ll pray, with our lamps trimmed and burning, We’ll work and we’ll wait till the Master’s returning, We’ll sing and rejoice, every omen discerning,— But we know not the hour. F. E. BELDEN. Increase Of Knowledge [Illustration.] Modern Inventions. "Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Dan. 12:4. 1. According to the words of the angel to Daniel, when might the world look for an increase of knowledge? “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, _even to the time of the end_: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Dan. 12:4. NOTE.—The prophecies of Daniel were not to be shut up till the _end_, for then there would be no time either to develop knowledge or to use the knowledge thus acquired, but until “the _time of the end_,” which refers to a short period just preceding the end. During this time there was to be a wonderful increase of knowledge. Especially were the prophecies of the book of Daniel to be unsealed, studied, and understood at this time. 2. Until what time were the saints to be persecuted under the Roman power? “And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, _even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed_.” Dan. 11:35.