Peace in the Midst of Strife
By Editor
Peace in the Midst of Strife.—As we close our forms war seems to be but a question of days between Russia and Japan. The Sunrise Kingdom of little brown men has made her demands of the great Bear of the Eastern Hemisphere, and the world believes that Russia will not take one backward step unless to secure a better base to advance; and if she does not Japan has gone too far to recede. Will the strife involve England and France, or America? It is difficult to predict. Of this we are sure there will be no general warfare till God's work is done. His angels are holding the winds of strife till God's servants are sealed (Rev. 7:1-3), and then comes Armageddon (Jer. 25:15-35; Rev. 16:13, 14). Men and nations and statesmen and rulers may plot and plan and purpose, but the Most High yet rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whom He will, "The wrath of man shall praise Thee; the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain." Therefore we can leave to Him the issue, and hope for peace for the propagation of His Gospel. There is one field of strife more important than this, and that is the heart of man. There wage wild and fierce tumults, contending passions, rebellion against light and truth and God. It is a war waged for eternal results, and there is no neutral ground, no release from the warfare till the soul yields wholly to the devil or stands triumphant, God-conquered, a willing, free servant of his King. For this warfare there is peace at any time in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Let Him into the restless heart and life, tossed with the strife of tumultuous passions and damnable doubt. He speaks, "Peace, peace, to him that is far off and to him that is near," saith Jehovah, and I will heal him. "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." "Weary soul, without gladness or comfort or rest,
Passing down the rough pathway of time;
Make the Saviour your friend ere the shadows grow dark;
O accept of this peace so sublime.
"Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above;
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray,
In fathomless billows of love."