Peace, Be Still by S. J. Townsend

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Sep 22, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 37.

“Peace, Be Still”

By S. J. Townsend

By S. J. TOWNSEND

But yestermorn the sun looked on a scene Of tranquil nations in life's busy quest. But yestereve all peaceful and serene A weary world lay sleeping and at rest. To-day the storm-cloud lowers. From its crest The lightnings flash; and peal on peal afar The mighty thunders roll, from east to west, From west to east, dread rumbling of the car That speeds to crush mankind — the Juggernaut of war!

Ten hundred thousand men in battle line Sweep onward like swift falcons to the prey. Ten hundred thousand men allied, combine To meet the onset, in war's stern array. Who yesterday were brothers, friends, to-day, The ties of friendship broken, foemen are, With bitter hatred rushing to the fray. Forgot are Waterloo and Trafalgar, In the mad race for spoils, mid the alarms of war.

Once more, O Prince of peace, at whose commands The wind and sea obeyed Thy sovereign will, Speak Thou to earth: “Hold, hold, ye angel hands, The winds of desolation! Peace, be still!” Hold Thou the winds of strife, O Lord, until Thy servants have received the holy scar That seals them Thine forever. Then fulfil The promise by Thy prophets seen afar — The earth make new, where man no more shall learn to war.