The Religious Element in the European War
THE pope has sent out word requesting his people in all parts of the world to pray for the restoration of peace in Europe. This request in and of itself alone is very commendable, for certainly all Christians should join in praying for peace. Yet some of the strongest Catholic powers in the world are in this conflict. Russia, to be sure, is not one of these; but the Greek Catholic, which is her state religion, is very similar to the Roman. It is also noticeable, in connection with this war, that the great powers engaged are calling upon God, through their leaders, to give success to their armies. Things of this character show that men, in times of great stress, instinctively desire to turn to some higher power, outside of themselves. One of the many things that the prophecies make clear for this time, is that amid the rioting and strifes and wars of these last days, will be developed a great religious power, which will undertake to control and guide, and thus suppress war and establish peace. But God has not vouchsafed to work through such organizations and such powers, that maneuver politically under the name of religion; hence there is coming a great religious despotism, and the papacy will stand at the head of it. Conditions are before the world that will cause men who do not know God to turn frantically to this man-made religious power, to save them from ruin. Yet this will only help their ruin forward. All these things are made clear in God's word; and in these troublous times, we should be studying the grand old Book, that we may have our bearings, and know what to do and where to stand.