THE MODERN RIFLE by T.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 31, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 13.

THE MODERN RIFLE.

By T.

The battle-ship Oregon steamed out of the Golden Gate about a week ago for a cruise down the Pacific Coast. Just before she started she is reported to have exchanged her old rifles for a more modern gun. Her new rifles are constructed on the magazine principle, and are sighted for 2,000 yards. Up to 800 yards the range is point blank, so that for such a distance the sights do not have to be elevated at all. The bullet from this rifle will penetrate three feet of timber.

The infantry in all the armies of the world is being supplied with these or similar guns. Much attention is also being given in military circles to target practise, so that the soldier may be able not only to shoot, but “shoot to kill.” And with the smokeless powder now coming into general use, the battlefield will be clear, and usually a perfect aim may be taken.

With these destructive weapons in the hands of the infantry, and with the machine gun, the quick-fire and other types of modern cannon in operation, taking into account of course the accuracy of aim that recent devices make possible, what frightful slaughtering of human beings will take place! And may it not yet be seen that the twentieth verse of the fourteenth chapter of Revelation, instead of being a figure, as many have supposed, is after all a most literal truth? The prophet, in describing that great day when the “harvest of the earth” is to be “reaped,” states that “blood came out of the wine-press, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” Rev. 14:20. The same prophet also tells us that “the spirits of devils, working miracles, 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.” Rev. 16:14. Now when wicked spirits have gathered “the kings of the earth and of the whole world” to the “battle of that great day,” and when the fight actually begins with these weapons of modern invention, it can hardly be called an incredible thing that blood will flow, even as the Bible says, “unto the horse bridles.”

But why does the Lord not intervene to stop this most awful carnage? It is a great pleasure to inform you that He has. He has told you and me, yes, even the whole world, that it is the “spirit of devils” that is stirring up this murderous spirit of war. And He has warned us not to be found connected with it.

While the “spirits of devils” are enraging men for war, the Prince of Peace is beseeching and tenderly, tho loudly, calling every one to forsake the camps of evil and cruel war and come over to the side of the God of love. Now what will you do? The Bible makes the matter perfectly plain, and it is for each one to decide for himself which camp he will be in. T.