A New Social Danger

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 20, 1916

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 43, No. 25.

A New Social Danger

In the Independent of May 22, 1916, the editor says that a leading paper in one of the countries now at war has introduced a proposition to revolutionize the institution of marriage. The suggestion is "that all births shall be made equally legitimate, and that no special advantage in law or sentiment should be given to children born in honorable wedlock." Correspondence received is said to approve the proposition.

This war not only takes from the home the father, the son, and the brother, but after drenching the earth with their blood, and leaving tens of thousands of broken hearts and sorrowing homes behind, threatens to destroy the social fabric on which the home itself stands. In order to replenish the nation's population devastated by war, and multiply sons more rapidly to face the cannon in case of future wars, the question of polygamy and concubinage is being weighed in some minds.

We do not know that such a thing will be seriously considered. For any of the great powers of the world to do so, which have stood for civilization and progress, would be to put a further blot on civilization and enlightenment. But it is difficult to tell, with any degree of accuracy, what the future along this as well as other lines may hold in store.

This war is not the end. Men may cry peace, but there is no peace; another war, even more terrible than this, will follow, before the curtain falls on the final act in the drama of this earth. As we look out on the future years of the world's history, aided by the unerring guide of prophecy, the picture grows darker and darker, and more hopeless. The only light upon the scene lies beyond. The hope is in the coming of the Prince of peace,—who will put an end to the bloody cruelties of war, and usher in instead the reign of peace.

This means the establishment of His kingdom, the kingdom of righteousness, when all earthly kingdoms have been carried away like chaff from the summer threshing floor. This is the hope of all God's trusting children. G. B. T.