“What is the outlook for peace?” is a question that is anxiously asked by many. In reply it may always be said that the indications are clear, and the outlook good. “But how about the Chinese question? Can that be settled without war?” It is hard to tell. But that does not affect the general outlook for universal peace. “Yes, and there is the quarrel between Spain and the United States; certainly these countries will have to settle their disputes on the battle-field, will they not?” Well, we do not pretend to know as to that. We would not even venture an opinion. But no matter what Spain and the United States do, the universal peace is surely coming. “But have you taken into account the ‘Turkish question,’ the South American questions, the Franco-English-African question, and all the rest of the war problems?” Yes, these have all been thought of. And, notwithstanding all this din of battle preparation, it may be most positively affirmed that the universal peace is right at hand. There can be no doubt about it. It is surely coming.
“Then if all these national and international disputes are amicably settled, there will have to be some wonderful diplomacy, will there not? And statesmen must arise that can not be corrupted by money or influenced by the fear of losing their political jobs.” No, not necessarily. In fact, the universal peace that is about to come does not involve the settling of all or any of these international disputes. When the great peace and tranquillity that is never to be broken, is ushered in, all these disputes among the nations will be at their height, and yet the good times of rest from war and bloodshed come to us in a flood of light and glory, just the same.
“Well, isn’t that good! War is a horrible thing. What joy there is in being assured that we are so soon to have universal and eternal peace!” Yes, it is a cheering hope. For surely no heart that has a single spark of kindness or tenderness left in it can ever desire to see a war in these days of horribly destructive weapons.
“But can you tell us something of how this good time of peace is going to be brought about? The world looks like anything else than peace now. All of the nations are talking loudly of war. And then there is our well-nigh universal political corruption, our capital and labor disputes of the fiercest kind, etc., etc. It hardly seems possible that peace can be reasonably predicted in the face of all this turmoil and pent-up strife that seems ready to burst in fury upon the world at any moment.”
None of these questions need disturb you, friend. We have good news to tell you. The Prince of Peace is soon coming to earth again. And we are told in His Word that He will come this time, not as a babe in the manger, but as King of kings and Lord of lords. And when He comes, we know that there will be peace. For all the wicked who refuse His entreaties and warnings, and abandon themselves to the evils that make our times so perilous, will have thereby shown themselves unworthy of life. And so we are informed in the Word that all this wickedness “the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming.” 2 Thess. 2: 8. The Lord has faithfully told us that “as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” Luke 17: 26. And of the times of Noah He tells us that “the earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” Gen. 6: 11. How literally do we see these scriptures fulfilling before us to-day! The war spirit, the mob spirit, the reckless, lawless spirit of murder and general criminality, is even now literally filling our world with “violence.” And the Lord considers the scene now even as He did in the days of Noah. Man’s wickedness and outbreaking “violence” are becoming so great that now, as in the time of the flood, the most tender, the most merciful thing for these wicked ones themselves is to destroy them.
So do not look to the politicians to straighten out the tangles in the world to-day, for too often they are influenced by the sordid desire for money and office. Do not look to the diplomats, for in too many cases the interests of the bondholder and capitalist, rather than genuine statesmanship, guides their actions. Do not look to the churches; for far too much do many professed Christians represent the world in all its vain follies and pleasures, rather than the simplicity and faithful devotion to the needs of humanity enjoined upon us by the life and teachings of the Nazarene. Do not look to the many so-called reform organizations; for they seek to uplift the world through politics, and it is folly to hope that the corrupted and corrupting political fountain can ever become a cleansing stream. No, we must trust to nothing in these times but the sure Word of God. And that Word says that “in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away.” “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Tim. 3: 1-5, 13.
TORPEDO IS EXPLODED BY OPERATING THE SWITCH-BOARD ON SHORE CONNECTED BY WIRE WITH TORPEDO UNDER WATER.
We are surely in the “perilous times” of the “last days.” And “evil men and seducers,” upon the authority of the infallible Word, “shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” So we may look to this world in vain for peace. “In the world ye shall have tribulation,” says the Master, but “these things have I spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.” John 16: 33. Then there is “peace” in Jesus our Lord, even amid the tribulations of this world and in these turbulent times. Have you found that peace? If not, delay no longer, but accept it from the outstretched hand of our divine Lord.
And then the joy at the thought of His coming! He is the same tender, compassionate Saviour, and while He comes as King of kings and Lord of lords, yet He is the Prince of Peace. And while the “brightness of His coming” will destroy the wicked, the same glorious light of His immediate presence will transform His waiting and watching people into the splendor of immortal life. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3: 2.
Yes, we are to have peace, eternal peace. And the Christian knows it because of the peace that his Master gives him even now. Is your soul in these troublous times crying out for peace? Seek it only through the Prince of Peace; for there alone may genuine peace be found. And ever be it remembered that He is coming soon, and at that time the peace that we now enjoy in mind and heart will broaden into the blessedness of the more perfect peace when sin and sinners, with their distracting influences, will be forever a thing of the past. T.
