The Great War

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jun 3, 1915

THE entrance of Italy into the war makes the eleventh nation to engage in the great conflict. The contending nations are Great Britain, France, Russia, Belgium, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Japan, Turkey, Serbia, Italy, and Montenegro. Strong efforts are being made from both sides to enlist Roumania, Bulgaria, Greece, and other nations in the conflict. It is probable that these efforts will prove successful. The effect of the entrance of Italy into the war is problematical.

As never before in the history of mankind can it be said in the words of Scripture, “The nations were angry.” The great controversy now going forward is the culmination of years of animosity and racial jealousy. No man living can predict the outcome. That national boundaries will be greatly modified goes without saying. That the victors, whoever they may be, will exact heavy toll of the vanquished is evident from the spirit which characterizes every nation engaged in the controversy.

Thus far the opening of spring has witnessed but little change in the general situation. The contending forces in the West are still engaged in the sieges, attacks, and counter attacks which have characterized the long winter months. In the East several weeks ago the Russians achieved a great victory—the most notable of the war thus far—in the capture of Przemysl, a strong Austrian fortress. It appears from present reports, however, that this in turn is being seriously threatened by the combined Austrian and German forces. Considerable progress has been made by the Allies in forcing an entrance through the Dardanelles, but with varying success, involving much loss in men and ships to both sides of the contestants. Aside from the employment of great forces which with the opening of the spring months have been placed in the field, and the entrance of Italy into the war, there has been but little change in the general situation over what it was at the beginning of the year.

It certainly behooves the believers in this message in every land and clime to pray for the holding of the winds of war and the cessation of this deadly strife. God has given to his people a message to bear to the world. In the situation which now exists let us not forget that which has been committed to us, nor ignore the opportunities which the providence of God may create out of the very conditions which exist in the opening of the minds of men to the reception of his Word. As never before in these times of warfare and unrest the children of men need to have their attention called to the meaning of these things that are coming upon the earth, and to the peace of heart and rest of soul which they may find in the Lord Jesus Christ.