More Dreadful Than Dreadnought.
By T.
TWENTY-FIVE years ago Germany was without a navy. She set out on a plan to rival the naval power of England and has reached the place where she ranks fourth in the naval world. But a couple of years or so ago she was shocked and surprised, almost beyond measure, to see England launch the Dreadnought within a year from the time her keel was laid. It has taken the United States four years to build the Connecticut and the Louisiana, the most powerful battle-ships of the present time in the American navy. The Dreadnought so startled the naval world that the other nations immediately set to work to outdo the 'greatest battle-ship afloat.' Japan soon launched a fighting machine that was heralded in the papers as being ahead of the celebrated English ship; the United States then came forward with one that was said to be the most powerful and effective in armament of them all; and now the reports are telling that England has just launched the Temeraire that again sets her to exultingly singing 'Britannia [still] rules the wave.' It is such rivalry as this that keeps the nations of all the world under constantly increasing military and naval burdens. Vast sums are expended to-day, only to be thrown away to-morrow because the equipment that has cost so many millions is rendered useless by later inventions and more ponderous death-dealing machinery. It is hoped, and earnestly talked, that this great preparation for war will insure peace. But this is only talk for the purpose of keeping up courage, or else to try to make it seem to be consistent to claim this as the age of 'peace and good will' and yet to have it stand out as the most conspicuous period for military and naval intensity. The literal meaning of the unparalleled arming of the nations is set forth clearly by the prophets. They show that the end of all things is drawing near, and they further show that as the end does draw near the nations will be angry and that deceptive powers will prepare them for the 'battle of that great day of God Almighty.' There is to be a great battle of all the nations just before that 'great day.' The Scriptures plainly show this, and any one should be able to see that the great military activity of this time is preparing the world for the event. We may avoid the dangers of that time by standing with God under the shelter of the truth He reveals in His word. The light that is so plainly shining from the Bible is indeed a great beacon of hope. Is it filling your soul? T.