PREPARATIONS FOR WAR

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 4, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 43.

PREPARATIONS FOR WAR.

THE Word of God predicts that in the last days, when men are crying, "Peace, peace," and predicting that the weapons of war shall be converted into implements of peaceful industry, there will be such war preparation as never before was seen. See 1 Thess. 5:1, 2; Isa. 2:1-6; Joel 3:9-14. We hear the cry of "Peace and safety" from pulpit to grogshop, and we see the preparations for war. The head of the United States army, Gen. Nelson A. Miles, recently made a visit to Europe, a tour of inspection among the nations, a tour for special observation of works, and arts, and implements of war. In Associated Press report, in the Los Angeles Times of October 3, under date of "London, October 2," among other things, this is what he said:—

"What I have seen does not indicate that the millennium is at hand, when swords will be beaten into plowshares. There never was another time in the history of the world when such energy, ingenuity, and wealth has been devoted to war purposes. The resources and industries of many people are largely devoted to maintaining large standing armies and formidable navies. Fortunate are the people of the United States that they are walled in by two great oceans, yet this fact would not warrant them in any policy other than keeping a reasonable percentage of the population fully equipped and instructed in modern appliances and methods of war. It so happened that important events which occurred in Europe this year have contributed to my opportunity for observation, giving me chances to see everything."

After speaking of the great military display at the Queen Victoria's jubilee, and of the strength and effectiveness of the Russian army, General Miles says:—

"Germany is one vast military camp. It is geographically in such a position that it is compelled to maintain a great military force. On one side is Austria, that they have overrun, and France, that has been conquered and a part of her territory taken away by fighting her when she was at a great disadvantage. On the other side stands the great Russian bear, and between these two Germany finds it necessary to keep her powder dry. The German army is kept under rigid discipline, is well drilled, makes the finest appearance on parade, but its fighting qualities are no better than the English, Russian, or French armies."

God's Word is true, tho some will not believe it till it is written in the blood of the great battle of Armageddon.