p. 5 | Note and Comment by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · May 23, 1907

Note and Comment

By Editor

An indication of the way in which the National Peace Congress is being looked upon by the religious world in general is well illustrated in an article in the Northwestern Christian Advocate of May 6, in which Rev. Davis W. Clark, of New York City, says:—

Not only was the epitaph of national dueling being written, but also a rescript for the federation of all the nations of the earth; the federation in which the strong shall bear the infirmities of the weak, and not expect as aforetime to make merchandise of them. The conviction grew also that universal peace had as its corollary universal solidarity and sympathy among nations.

Here the doctrine of universal peace is set before the world as in a fair way to attainment. This is another strong encourager to the people to take up the cry of “peace, peace,” when there is no peace. The prophet has forewarned us that in the closing days of earth’s history, a mighty movement would be on foot, having for its purpose the very object which this peace congress has set for itself. We are seeing the fulfilment of that prophecy in this congress, and in the increased volume of that peace cry which has grown out of this congress.

In referring to the part played by Archbishop Farley in this congress, and his plea for the recognition of the Vatican in the great peace movement, Mr. Clark says:—

Archbishop Farley did some special pleading for the recognition of the pope as a temporal power. The sentiments of the prelate were treated with courtesy, but they were considered a harmless anachronism. The wheels can never turn that way again.

The writer of those words has forgotten history, and is not acquainted with prophecy. Speedily the wheels of time are turning to the point where the Christian world will recognize one religious head authorized to speak for it mandates that are to govern Christendom. All the movements for federation of both Catholic and Protestant societies and denominations are pointing to that climax as certainly as the needle to the pole.

In closing his article, Mr. Clark says:—

It takes no prophetic vision now to see that a great moral movement is now on which may meet delays, and even

defeats, but which will ultimately send the war the way of cannibalism, dueling, polygamy, and slavery.

Prophetic vision long ago saw this great movement, but at the same time saw in it as it worked itself out, a principle which was entirely contrary to the principles of the kingdom of Christ; namely, the principles of force in the domain of conscience and religion. It is a sad fact that men are allowing themselves to throw their energies into a work which the Word of God more than eighteen hundred years ago pointed out as culminating in its own ruin, and in opposing the true work of God in the earth.