Is World Peace in Sight

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 12, 1911

Is World Peace in Sight

MANY peace promoters would have us believe this. We would indeed that it were so, but the stern facts of greater war preparations and increased naval armaments on every side, banish the hope. In replying to this question the Christian Advocate of August 3 says:—

If world peace is in sight, which we hope is the case, the chief sign is that the governments of the earth are continually making preparations for defense. On July 1 of this year what is called “the era of compulsory service” was inaugurated in Australia. One hundred five thousand boys of from fourteen to eighteen years of age have been brought by this law under the immediate discipline of a training that requires at least four whole-day and twelve half-day parades and twenty-four night drills annually. Next year 30,000 youths of eighteen will enter the ranks of the national militia. In each succeeding year similar batches will follow; thus in seven years, allowing for wastage, the citizen army will number 120,000 trained men. The same day saw the inauguration of the compulsory naval force. The total required enrolment is 3,700. There are two sections of the force: an adult reserve and a cadet reserve, the ages of the latter ranging from fourteen to eighteen years.

The reign of peace will never be ushered in through national disarmament or peace treaties. Sin and crime will abound more and more. The pent-up passions of men will find expression in strife, warfare, and commotion. Peace to this old earth will come only through the reign of the Prince of Peace at the last great day. This only is the hope of the church of God. Joel 3:9-16.