WHAT IS WAR? by F. D. Starr

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Jun 20, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 25.

WHAT IS WAR?

By F. D. Starr

WHILE the war spirit seems to be so prevalent, and so-called Christian nations are engaging in it with such apparent religious zeal, it would be profitable to all to read the following forcible description of war, as given in the Primitive Methodist Magazine of January, 1857:—

War is a dreadful scourge, an untold calamity, a fearful curse, a melancholy evidence of human depravity, and a solemn proof of a sin-avenging Providence. It paralyzes commerce, interferes with industrial occupations, lays waste fertile countries, loads nations with enormous debts, augments taxation, increases the burdens of the people, cherishes unholy and diabolical passions, depopulates cities, makes wives widows and children fatherless, fills families and communities with lamentation, mourning, and woe, and suddenly hurries multitudes into the eternal world [or rather hurries them out of this world], for which it is to be feared the great majority are not prepared.

If this was the nature of war when these charges were published against it in England, nearly a half century ago, how is it that so many professed followers of the Prince of Peace are now so industrious in teaching and learning the science of war? Is there any evidence of the millennium in this?

F. D. STARR.