A STRANGE PICTURE by C. Castberg

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 9, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 15.

A STRANGE PICTURE.

By C. Castberg

Situated at the end of the magnificent thoroughfare the Champs Elysées, Paris, is the huge Arch of Triumph, one of the four triumphal arches which Napoleon I. intended to erect in commemoration of his victories. Among the groups of sculptures which adorn it is that by Rude, of the Genius of War summoning the nations to arms, sometimes called “The Departure.” This is the picture of the world to-day. The Genius of War is abroad in the land, and money and talent are laid as a votive offering at the feet of the war-god Mars.

The European races lay claim to a sort of monopoly in civilization. Every day brings new achievements in science and new advancements in things that go to make up the comforts of life. But at the same time the nations are unanimous in exerting every energy in their attempt to convert themselves into food for the vultures that hover over the fields of battle.

Every nation has exhausted its resources to the uttermost in preparing for war. It looks as if while they are straining every nerve in their endeavor to better themselves and gain the conveniences of life, all are agreed to go to bed having their doors barricaded, and their bodies protected by coats of mail. This picture would look extremely comical, if it was not so serious in its character.

All are agreed that some day this state of affairs must come to an end. The situation is unbearable, and men and means are equally exhausted. Now and then a voice is heard above the din of drums and the thunder of cannons advocating disarming; but where is the statesman who is able to devise a scheme for a general disarmament? A leader could not be found who would in earnest sanction anything of the kind. We have seen this demonstrated more than once. In the face of all the fair promises exchanged at the Hague conference of nations, wars have not abated one whit, but have increased both in number and in cruelty. This is indeed no triumph for the wisdom of the human race!

It can not be said that the nations are more savage now than formerly, more unreasonable or more unqualified to settle their difficulties by way of diplomacy. Neither are they averse to everything “international.” Affairs of an international character are arranged nearly every day; and as to congresses at which representatives of all the civilized nations are present, there is literally no end of them. Money and energy are expended in the vain hope of creating a security which no one feels, altho it is constantly guaranteed by a superfluity of assurances that all cherish but the most amiable and peaceful intentions.

This is the picture the world presents to-day, and what will be the outcome of the present strained relations among the nations? Our Saviour’s words, “Distress of nations, with perplexity;” “men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth,” are surely fulfilling all around us. In the light of prophecy, we see the spirits of devils “go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” The deceiver of the whole world has great wrath, “because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Do we realize that the time is short, that what we have to do, we ought to “do quickly”? “Behold, I come as a thief,” Jesus says. “Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.”

C. Castberg.