Lovers of Pleasure by J. N. Q.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 8, 1910

Lovers of Pleasure

By J. N. Q.

A spirit of self-pleasing has always characterized the human family, and just before the second advent of our Lord it is to become abnormal in its manifestation. That this condition has been reached in the city of Washington is evidenced by the following from the Herald of August 24:—

More than a hundred thousand dollars was forwarded yesterday to Washington vacationers in the mountains, at the shores, or abroad, by one bank alone. As there are about twenty banking institutions in this city, and yesterday was only one day of the season, though perhaps the biggest for drafts, it is estimated by bankers that this summer's play has cost Washington people anywhere from two to ten millions of dollars. “It has been a big season of foolishness,” said one of the bankers last night, “but a certain amount of prodigality seems necessary to make people appreciate the value of a dollar.”

The spirit of pleasure seeking, like whisky drinking, creates an appetite which becomes insatiable, leading its devotees into a miserable bondage. That recreation is essential to physical well-being can not be disputed; but when millions of dollars are squandered in seeking pleasure, then dissipation is the word to be used, not recreation. A day or two in the quiet of the woods, away from the stress and strain of business, is to be desired; but no great outlay of money is required for this. The glitter and glamour of the ballroom, the banquet costing thousands of dollars, these consume money rapidly, and are also a severe strain upon the vitality of those who indulge in them. Simplicity in recreation, as in everything else, is the safe and sane method. J. N. Q.

The World's Peace

In Brussels, the latter part of this month, will be held the Interparliamentary Union,—“an association of members of the parliaments and congresses of the most important nations.” This union has for its object the “promotion of means for preserving international peace.” One measure proposed at this meeting is the adoption of plans looking for a “world federation, with courts, legislative body, and executive head.”

But while these peace federations are being agitated, the nations are frantically pushing ahead their preparation for the coming conflict, which in the future is inevitable. The United Presbyterian of August 18 sees no particular absurdity in the existence of these two movements in the world, fostered in part even by the same men. It says:—

This is a proposal that the nations now make real what fifty years ago was the most daring dream of a poet. The movement for universal peace is one of the most striking tendencies of the times. Another is the unprecedented preparation for possible war. That the two movements are in progress at the same time is not absurd. The immense burden of naval armaments, the building of huge warships, and the arming and drilling of vast armies, have caused the statesmen and all other men to realize that if a great war comes, it will threaten the existence of civilization. If war does not come, the nations are nevertheless exhausting themselves in preparing for it. They can not go on indefinitely increasing armaments. The only deliverance is the success of some plan to make war unnecessary, useless, impossible. Every war budget, every new battle-ship, is an argument for peace. The plan to be proposed this month by the American delegates to the Interparliamentary Union may not be adopted, but it will at least invite the attention of the nations of the world to one great plan for universal peace.

The statements of prophecy and the actual conditions now existing, do not encourage us in believing that in the future questions of international difference will be adjusted through arbitration. This never will be, at least to the extent which some of its advocates fondly hope. The Scriptures plainly teach that the battle of Armageddon is just ahead; that the elements of anarchy and strife, which are so rampant in the world, stirring the hearts of men to fever heat, will find their culmination in the blood and war and smoke of universal conflict. This earth will sometime see the reign of peace; but not until He shall come whose right it is to rule, even the Prince of Peace. Then will the armies of men give place to the invincible hosts of heaven; war and strife will be forever banished; and the righteousness of God will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. This only is the hope of the child of God in this evil time.

The Kaiser a Bible Student

Speaking to a clergyman recently, Emperor William of Germany stated that he loved to read the Bible daily, and that a copy of it was placed on a table beside his bed:—

I find the most beautiful thoughts expressed in it. I can not understand how it is that so many persons pay so little attention to the Holy Scriptures. Can any one read the Gospels and other parts of the Bible without feeling convinced that they contain simple truth, well authenticated, and established on unquestionable facts? Whenever I have to come to any decision, I ask myself what the Bible would teach me to do in that particular case. The Bible is to me the fountain from which I draw light and strength in the hours of sorrow and depression. I seek consolation in the Bible, and I am convinced that many who have neglected religion will regain definite belief and will feel the need of communion with the Almighty if they study it. Periods of dangerous doubt have always produced in their wake periods of enthusiastic religious feeling. I can not understand how life can be lived without real communion with the Almighty. We all must go through Gethsemane. There are hours and hours in which our pride is humiliated. It is difficult for us to be meek; for each one of us desires to be his own master.