The World's Conqueror by W. R. Maxfield

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Mar 25, 1908

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 34, No. 13.

The World's Conqueror.

By W. R. Maxfield

THE Babe of Bethlehem has become the Conqueror of man. The rapturous utterance of the old prophet has been fulfilled: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." All the world lies in subjection before Him; all the activities of man pay tribute to Him. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Ever since that hour of holy calm when the morning stars sang together, music has made Him the subject of its sweetest and noblest songs. His coming gave a new impulse and direction to art, and the greatest masters have vied with each other in doing honor to the holy Child, Jesus. Poets have tuned their harps to holier strains, and have dedicated the best children of their genius to the "One altogether lovely and the chiefest among ten thousand."

But by what means does this Conqueror subdue the world? Alexander, Tamerlane, Cæsar, Napoleon were triumphant thru physical force. The sword, the catapult, the fire-brand, and all the devices of cruel, barbaric war secured for them temporary power over men. They conquered to subjugate. Christ makes His conquests by means of a subtler, stronger, nobler power than mere physical force. The emblem of His conquest is not the sword, but the olive branch. He is not the demon of war, but the Prince of Peace. He conquers to exalt. He makes men captive thru love. This is a force more potent than regiments of veterans or squadrons of battle-ships.—W. R. Maxfield.