Gold | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Aug 26, 1862

Gold.

GOLD is the only power which receives universal homage. It is worshiped in all lands without a single temple, and by all classes without a single hypocrite; and often has it been able to boast of having armies for its priesthood, and hecatombs of human victims for its sacrifices. When war has slain its thousands, gain has slaughtered its millions; for while the former operates only with the local and fitful terrors of an earthquake, the destructive influence of the latter is universal and unceasing. Indeed, war itself—what has it often been but the art of gain practiced on the largest scale? the covetousness of a nation resolved on gain, impatient of delay, leading on its subjects to deeds of rapine and blood?—as history is the history of slavery and oppression in all ages. For centuries, Africa—one quarter of the globe—has been set apart to supply the monster with victims—thousands at a meal. And, at this moment, what a populous and gigantic empire can it boast! the mine with its unnatural drudgery; the manufactory with its swarms of squalid misery; the plantation with its imbruted gangs, and the markets and the exchange with their furrowed and careworn countenances—these are only specimens of its more menial offices and subjects. Titles and honors are among its rewards, and thrones at its disposal. Among its counselors are kings, and many of the great and mighty of the earth enrolled among its subjects. Where are the waters not plowed by its navies? What imperial elements are not yoked to its car? Philosophy itself has become a mercenary in its pay; and science a votary at its shrine—brings all its noblest discoveries as offerings to its feet. What part of the globe's surface is not rapidly yielding up its last stores of hidden treasure to the spirit of gain? or retains more than a few miles of unexplored and unvanquished territory? Scorning the childish dream of the philosopher's stone, it aspires to turn the globe itself into gold.—Sel.