THE IMPENDING CONFLICT.
By W. N. G.
The war spirit of this “Christian nation” has acquired such a high pressure that a very peculiar idea of patriotism is evolved. In the beginning of the war there was a great demonstration of “patriotism,” insomuch that many more men, young and old, were ready to volunteer than were needed. Now the greater part of the volunteer forces are anxious to be mustered out, altho the authorities assert that they can not be spared. Ordinarily a patriot, especially a soldier, is one who is willing to serve his country in any place or in any capacity. A true soldier will do garrison duty, or take long marches, or build roads and bridges, or live in camps, or anything that he may be called upon to do. The cry now is, “We enlisted to fight, not to do garrison duty.” According to the logic of the clamor for release, patriotism means only actual fighting. Such is the spirit being inculcated into the minds of the youth. The glory that this world affords finds its highest ideal in shedding the blood of human beings, for whom Christ gave His own life. And the enemy of souls would fain have it so. Not only are the national rulers unwittingly preparing, but the people, old and young, are being prepared, to engage in the great battle of Armageddon. And this bloodthirsty idea of patriotism—“Christian patriotism” at that—is a leading factor in the general preparation for that bloody occasion. Nor should the people of the United States deceive themselves with the idea that this nation will not be included in that terrible combat; for the permanent possession of the Philippine Islands, which they are stoutly urging upon the President, will identify this government with the “kings of the East.” Its interests, and its armies, that must ever be kept in that quarter, will necessarily become in some way entangled in the general conflict. Time will erelong develop the fact that the clamor for war and the aggrandizement of territorial expansion have urged the administration into a position of semi-imperialism from which it never will be able to return to its original republican standing. And the strange part of the situation is that the professed church of Christ, and its ministers, who are supposed to know something of the prophetic Word, should act a leading part in pushing the nation into such a perilous position. “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Tim. 3:13. Perilous times come in the last days on account of the evil-doings of men “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” Verses 1–5. They deny the power of godliness by turning from it to espouse the power of the civil government. Hence they must be left to the fate of the power which they have chosen. “How is it that ye do not discern this time?” Luke 12:56. W. N. G