Peace Organizations and Their Work
SEVERAL years ago, Mr. Andrew Carnegie gave ten million dollars to the establishment of the "World Peace Foundation." This vast sum of money was invested so as to bring in a proportionately large income each year, all of which was to be used in promoting sentiments of peace throughout the world. More recently he has given twenty million dollars for the purpose of establishing an organization known as the "Church Peace Union." These are two of the leading peace organizations of this time, and the objects toward which these large sums are dedicated, are certainly worthy ones. The Church Peace Union will convene in conference at Constance, Switzerland, Sunday morning, August 2. The Insel Hotel will be headquarters during the meeting. This conference will be composed of about one hundred leading clergymen from various parts of Europe, and about fifty from this country. Among the interesting topics that will be discussed, are "The Advancing Organization of the World," "The Roman Catholic Church and the Peace Movement," "The Peace Movement in the Churches," "The World Congress of the Churches as the Outgrowth of the Conference." The modern peace organizations and the work they are proposing to do, form one of the most significant movements of our times. To labor truly for peace is commendable. One of the titles of the Lord Jesus Christ is "Prince of peace." Angels, in announcing His birth, made the great proclamation, "On earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:14. On the other hand, we also have the word, "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." Isa. 48:22. The Book also warns against men who cry "Peace, peace; when there is no peace." Jer. 8:11. And then, as the climax to these statements, we find the prediction, "When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them." 1 Thess. 5:3. The true principles of peace are supported only by the power of the gospel itself; but there will be many who will be carried away with the enthusiasm of great organizations, and be led to believe that they have built up a structure that can insure the peace of the world. And then, when they are in the midst of their mistaken utterances of peace and safety, sudden destruction comes. The great majority will be attracted to these movements. Yet confidence in their success is misplaced, because their work is along lines that can never produce peace. It is literally true that there can be no peace where wickedness reigns; and those who hope for it, will be deceived. God's own word is authority for the statement that it will be when the great majority of mankind are saying "peace and safety," that "sudden destruction" will come. This is not human theory. This is not personal speculation. It is what the divine Book says. And the Scriptures locate in "the last days" this peace and safety song that "they" are singing. If there was ever a time when men needed to think carefully about what they are doing, and to be sure that they are following the leading of God, it is now; for the world is full of voices that are calling us from every direction to participate in numerous reforms. The good old Bible is the only infallible guide, and it should be studied if we desire to know the meaning of all that we see about us.