The Day of Peace Far Distant

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 9, 1914

The Day of Peace Far Distant

MANY times we find that the man of the world and of affairs in general possesses a better outlook and a clearer vision of the things which are coming on the earth than do many who pose as religious teachers. The reason for this is that too often the religious teacher endeavors to interpret the trend of events in harmony with his own preconceived notions. He has a theory to maintain, and he is loath to admit of any conclusion which will antagonize his hobby. The man of affairs has no theory to maintain, and he sees from the natural trend of events the shaping of great issues.

This is illustrated in the statements made by speaker Champ Clark in his address in Washington last Memorial Day. Speaking of the outlook before us from the standpoint of peace and war, Mr. Clark says:—

“All history is but one unending story of human butchery. All our boasted and multiplied arts of civilization are but preparations for the sacrifice of war — the festival of death.

“Despite the positive command of the Saviour, few, even of the best of us, ever pray for our enemies. If we do, it is with an elastic mental reservation. The day has not yet arrived when swords are beaten into plowshares or spears into pruning hooks; and, judging from facts which can be neither blinked nor denied, that era of perfect peace is out of sight in the distant future.

“With every nation of Europe supporting armaments of immense proportions and straining every nerve to augment them, it cannot be truthfully said that the world has attained that pacific status foretold in the gospel of the Prince of Peace. The clank of the sword is heard and the flash of the bayonet is seen in every quarter of the globe.”

Mr. Clark's statements are in direct line with the predictions of Sacred Writ. Centuries ago the prophet of God declared that the last days would be times of warfare; the nations of men would be busily engaged in preparation for the last great struggle for the supremacy of the world. A striking fulfillment of this is witnessed today in the active preparation for warfare which is going on in every land, and well do the men who are in the forefront of national affairs know what the future holds in store for the inhabitants of this world.

To the student of prophecy it is given to know this not alone from the shaping of human affairs, but also from the sure word of Scripture. Knowing it, may we prepare our own hearts for the times that are coming on the earth, and warn our fellows that they may likewise find in God the preparation which will sustain them in the day of trouble soon to come upon the world.