While the loyal North is rejoicing in the downfall of Richmond, the signal successes of the Union arms, and the apparent nearness of the complete overthrow of the rebellion, and the consequent peace, none have more reason to rejoice than the commandment-keeping people of God, and none can rejoice more understandly than they. They see in the prospect not only the immediate effects that others see, the cessation of slaughter and bloodshed, a mitigation of the crying evils that center in camp life, the relief of the nation from the terrible pressure of war, and the opportunity for hundreds of thousands now ministering to military necessities, to turn their talents, their attention, and their means to other and peaceful pursuits, but they see in it, a fulfillment of prophecy, an answer to prayer, a bright token that the great Shepherd of Israel is going before his flock. We therefore thank God for the visible manifestation of his hand in our national affairs.
But the people of God will, in the light of his word, avoid an evil into which others will very likely fall. They know that no permanent peace can again visit this earth. The days of its quiet are past. The prophet has declared, looking at this very time, that the nations were angry, and that anger will not subside. Tumult and distraction are largely mingled with the remaining brief chapter of her history. And while multitudes will see nothing in the close of the rebellion and the overthrow of slavery, but long years, perhaps ages, of prosperity and peace, to the student of prophecy it appears far otherwise. Peace now, to him does not mean repose nor security. It means activity in working for God and his cause. It means a little time in which to spread the truth, and prepare as many as possible for the still darker storms that are impending. Are we ready for the opportunities that Providence is apparently about to put in our hand?
There is in this a good foundation apparently being laid for the peace and safety cry that is to be the precursor of sudden destruction, and to be raised by those who read not the signs of the times. How natural to reason now in reference to this nation: Slavery is to be removed. The great cause of all our divisions and troubles is to be taken away, and disturb us no more. Our peace and prosperity must therefore be durable and permanent. "Lasting and permanent peace," is now the cry that is beginning to be raised by those who dream of a long continuance of human affairs. But how suddenly such hopes can be dashed to the ground time will determine.
And not only is the way opening for a peace and safety cry in this nation, but the same is beginning to be true of other nations. The emperor of the French is making some wonderful declarations in this direction. In his last speech he is reported to have said concerning the military movements of France:
"All expeditions are approaching an end. Our troops have left China; our army in Africa is being reduced; that in Mexico is on the way home; the garrison at Rome is under orders to leave; we will hereafter turn our attention to the pursuits of peace."
But notwithstanding these remarkable declarations respecting peace, we do not learn that there is any reduction of the standing army, or any lessening of the forces employed in the manufacture of munitions of war, or any less preparation by land or sea, for great warlike emergencies. The nations may assert peace as much as they please, they are watching each other with jealous eyes, and are waiting, it may be unconsciously, to take part in that great strife which the prophet was commanded to liken to a great whirlwind raised up from the coasts of the earth.
Yet it would be but natural to suppose that there must be some apparent grounds for the declaration of peace and safety; for it seems from the prophecy to be spoken in opposition to those who are proclaiming that the day of the Lord is coming upon the world.
Then let us not sleep. Let us be wise to discern the course of events and the fulfillment of the voice of prophecy, that the day of the Lord come not upon us unawares, or find us with the work we have to do, but half accomplished.