Militarism—How Will It Be Forever Destroyed? (1915)

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Militarism

How will it be Forever Destroyed?

A Masterly Discourse by J. F. Rutherford of the New York City Bar How Will Militarism Be Forever Destroyed?

Present Day Events Reviewed in the Light of Divine Prophesy.

By Hon. J. F. Rutherford.

The question we have for consideration here is uppermost in the minds of a majority of the thinking people of earth. For more than a year millions of men have been upon the battle field engaged in a deadly conflict. Thirty millions of men are there now. Other millions are occupied in the manufacture of ammunition and instruments of destruction, while many more millions are looking on with bated breath and sad heart and asking, Why is all this war necessary! What will be the end of these things? May the world ever hope to see the day when it will be free from Militarism?

It is both appropriate and timely that we discuss these questions in a calm and dispassionate manner, and we hope that this discussion and consideration may result beneficially to all of us.

In July, 1914, the countries of Europe were in an extremely nervous condition. Internal labor and governmental questions were threatening the peace and tranquility of Great Britain; Socialism was menacing Germany, while revolution was fomenting in Russia. But aside from these home troubles another and greater storm was threatening and which was destined to break shortly thereafter.

More than a quarter of a century prior thereto the Imperial Government of Germany began to build a great military and naval power. Other nations assuming that armament is necessary in self defense followed the example of Germany. Year after year new instruments of destruction were devised. Year after year the strong Kingdoms of Europe increased both in armament and trained soldiers. The thoughtful and observing people foresaw that a great international war was not only threatened, but was almost a certainty. The public press for several years had been predicting a great conflict. In the spring time it was announced that the war would come in all probability before autumn. In the autumn it was announced through the public press that surely the war could not be held off until spring.

Some, however, with less wisdom, were reasoning thus: Oh, there can never be another war, because each nation will be afraid to go to war; this great preparation for war is the surest guarantee for peace. (The United States has many such unwise ones who are not profiting by observation and the experience of other nations.) Consistent with this gigantic preparation the long-looked for storm broke over the nations of Europe in August, 1914.

More than a year has passed and the fires of destruction are burning with increased fury. Already the losses total upwards of eight million men and to restore the property loss would require more than a century.

The world today faces a condition that is unparalleled in its history. True it is that since the early dawn of civilization there have been controversies and wars between tribes, peoples and nations, but never before have the kingdoms and nations been engaged in such wholesale murder; and the evidence points strongly to the fact, that before it ends all the civilized, so-called nations of earth will be drawn into it. Already the United States in a measure is engaged in the war. Our laws recognize that there is no difference between killing a man and providing a man with a gun with which to kill, knowing that he intends so to use it. The United States is supplying the gun with full knowledge.

But, do the common people who produce the wealth and bear the burdens of civilization desire this war? We are persuaded they do not, and yet seemingly the people are powerless to prevent it.

I am persuaded that the great majority of the peoples of the nations of Europe do not desire this great war that is devastating their lands, destroying their homes, making their burdens grievous to be borne and sending their able-bodied men to premature graves. I have some personal knowledge of the sentiment of the people and the conditions there.

When the war began I was in Hamburg, Germany. The people of that beautiful city were quietly pursuing their respective vocations at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. At 4 o'clock the order for mobilization of the army was posted. I saw fathers, sons and brothers being hurriedly taken from their homes and rushed to the front. I saw mothers, wives, and children, sad of countenance and with tearstained faces hurrying through the streets to wave their loved ones goodbye as they rushed to the battlefield to die. These I am sure did not want the war. I saw hundreds of Russians, leaving behind their property and German friends, fleeing across the border into Denmark and into Sweden trying to get back to their native land. Train after train bore these unfortunate refugees away. I traveled with many from the border to Stockholm, Sweden. They were not a vengeful people, they desired to harm no one. They did not want the war.

Denmark and Sweden were mobilizing their armies expecting to be drawn into the fight. I talked with both soldiers and citizens who were hoping and praying their nations would not have to go to war. I saw many of England's citizens fleeing out of Germany whose stories would make sad the heart of any man. For several weeks I visited many parts of England and Scotland and witnessed many sad affairs. Business men were trying to induce their younger employees to go to the front; placards marked every station or moving vehicle urging young men to enlist; young girls occupied in persuading the young men to go to war; and, worst of all, preachers, claiming to be the representatives of Messiah's Kingdom, urging young men to enlist, marry and beget children, and then go to the front, that there might be other generations to war after the present one is gone. The people of the Colonies of Great Britain have sent thousands of their sons to battle, yet of all the people on the earth that stop to calmly consider the situation none of them really want war.

No sane man wants to be killed, because life is the dearest thing to him. No honest man wants to kill because he realizes that he is takling away that which he is not able to give.

It is apparent to those who think that the United States, persisting in her present course, will ere long be actively engaged in the bloody conflict.

Do the people of the United States, peace-loving and industrious as they are, desire the burden of Militarism and the devastating war that is almost certain to follow. I feel sure they do not, and yet-we see the machinery of the nation moving steadily in that direction and noth ing will prevent it.

But, why, you may ask, do I speak with such certainty? Because, I answer, I am not speaking my own wisdom, nor am I voicing the wisdom of other men, but I am viewing this subject from the standpoint of God's Word—the Bible.

It is not my purpose to inflame the minds of men, nor to unduly alarm anyone, but it is my purpose to point out some great truths now due to be understood; and I believe it to be the duty of every man who understands these truths to make them known to his fellow-man.

If we can get at the real cause of this great war, and definitely know from unimpeachable evidence that the future holds something exceedingly good for man, we should eagerly seek such facts. The true solution of this problem is not only possible, but it is found in the Bible and in it alone.

The Cause.

Who is responsible for this awful war? Some say the Kaiser is the one to bear the blame. Others who are the enemies of the British say that England instigated the war, while still others lay the blame at the door of Russia. All are in some measure to blame. One nation could not fight a battle alone. If a man arms himself and goes forth to look for his adversary he will likely find some occasion to use his weapon. If a nation arms with the intention of engaging in war she is likely to find some occasion to engage therein.

Under the laws of all civilized nations, if two men arm themselves for the purpose of engaging in and do engage in a mutual combat and one dies as the result thereof, the survivor is guilty of murder. In principle there is no difference between individual combats and national combats, because nations are composed of men. If one is murder the other is murder. If one is justified the other is justified.

Interest in this great war is intensified when we recall that God in the Bible foretold more than 2,500 years ago such an international conflict. The same wisdom foretold that it would begin in the year 1914. It came on schedule time. Long prior thereto the same authority—God in the Bible—pointed out the cause of the war and likewise foretold what will be the result and what shall follow thereafter.

Why have these things not long ago been understood by the people that they might be avoided? There are at least two potent reasons. One, because the prophetic statements of the Bible cannot be properly understood until God's due time, and second, because comparatively few have been diligently seeking to understand. The teachers have been largely overcome by the spirit of the world-desire for fame and riches—and have neglected their duty.

If God long ago set forth in His Word the certainty of this great war and the cause thereof, may we not expect to find in the same authority a foregleam of how Militarism will be eliminated from the earth and what shall follow? If we believe the Bible to be true (and I do, and assume that you, so believe) and if we can find the evidence therein settling these great questions, then I submit that the vital question before the peoples of earth today who love righteousness and hate injustice, is, Shall we not lay aside our man made creeds and turn to the Bible? What does the Bible say on these subjects?

Man.

The entire human race—all the nations of the earth—sprang from one man. The first man was not a warrior, because created perfect in the image of God.

His home was in Eden, a place of plenty and happiness, a condition of peace and joy. From God he received power and authority to subdue the earth and all it with people. He was to enjoy this blessed privilege without interruption so long as he rendered himself in obedience to the Law of God. But, before exercising his power to bring children into the world he violated God's law with the result that his right to live forever was taken from him and he was removed from his perfect home—Eden. The earth aside from Eden, was an unfinished place, bringing forth thorns, thistles and poisonous fruits. Driven from Eden the first man went forth to battle against the elements. In the sweat of his face now he must earn his bread. No more could he partake of the perfect foods of Eden. Daily he was dying and he knew that it was only a question of time when he would cease to exist. This spirit or disposition of selfishness and bitterness began to grow in his heart. While in this condition of mind Adam begat all of his children and these children inherited more or less of that disposition. Time passed and two sons had grown to manhood. Cain had developed the spirit of selfishness and bitterness in his heart to a superlative degree. Pursued in his own mind that his brother had been more highly favored than himself, he armed himself with a deadly weapon, sought out his brother and murdered him. That was the beginning of Militarism and the first effects of war. Intense selfishness had led to the crime and back of that was sin which caused Adam, the perfect, to fall. From then till now selfishness has predominated among the peoples of earth and only the one who has fought against this monster, selfishness, has been able to avoid gross wrong. From then till now men have sought out inventions with which to avenge themselves against real and supposed foes. In every tribe and nation there have been some noble characters who have

fought to establish a government of righteousness in the interest of the people, but in the course of time selfishness predominated, and hatred and war, the legitimate fruits of selfishness, have led to destruction.

All Imperfect.

As the Psalmist has stated it, "There is none perfect, no not one." Why? Because all came under the condemnation of death. Rom. 5:12. Psalms 51:5. In proportion that men and nations have cultivated the disposition of righteousness and love for fellow man in that proportion have they been against militarism. In proportion that men and nations have cultivated selfishness—the spirit of grabbing that which was not justly their own, in that same proportion has militarism grown. Long ago the seeds of the dragon teeth were sown, and now the nations of earth are reaping the harvest of whirl-wind and blood.

Why Evil Permitted

God's purpose toward man has been slightly understood. When we see so much poverty and sickness, crime and wickedness, selfishness and murder in the earth we are prone to wonder why a just and loving God would permit such. Believing that God is responsible for all this wickedness and suffering many have been driven to infidelity. Let us take a saner view.

A parent loves his child. The child has a mania for playing with fire. The parent says, for the good of that child I must teach it -the beneful effects of fire, and so he permits the child to burn itself until pain results. The lesson has been learned. Love prompted the teacher to that course.

The Bible reveals that it was the purpose of God from the beginning that man should have an everlasting blessing, but in order for man to appreciate the great blessing when it comes He determined that man should have a full and complete leason in the baneful effects of sin—to learn the lesson he has permitted man to burn himself severely at the fire.

This has applied to men individually and the peoples and nations collectively. History discloses that every nation when reaching its fullness in sin and selfishness has perished from the earth. While the peoples and nations have been passing through this long dark night of experiences. God has been developing the Kingdom of righteousness that will bring the desire of the pure in heart of all nations.

God's Promise

In every Age there have been some men whose hearts, longing for righteousness, have turned to the Lord. To such His favor has been shown. Four thousand years ago to Abraham he made promise saying, "I will bless thee and make thee a blessing, and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." The first nation formed amongst men and which Jehovah recognized was the Nation of Israel. With that people God made a special covenant, promising them the blessings of life, liberty and happiness if they would obey His laws. To that union He gave a porfoft code of Laws and for centuries dealt with them in a special manner. The promise made to Abraham was renewed to that people time and again. God taught them to look for a great Deliverer, a Messiah, through whom their blessing would come. The nation of Israel interpreted this to mean that from their number a great King would arise who would extend the dominion of Israel to the four corners of the earth.

Clergy of Israel

With the Nation of Israel the Lord instituted the priests, or clergy, whose duty it was to perform the religious ceremonies and above all to

read the Word of the Lord to the people and instruct them in righteousness to keep them in mind of the great Messiah that was coming. Some of those faithfully performed their duties, but the greater number of them became heady, high minded, haughty, austere, negligent of their duties and led the people into unrighteousness. The result was when Jesus came—the one who should be the Deliverer—the clergy class persecuted him and turned the people against him and crucified him.

The Lord had pointed out that Israel should be destroyed, and later the armies of Rome encompassed the holy city, stormed its walls and destroyed it. The Nation of Israel perished from the earth. The Apostle Paul in Heb. 10 and Cor. 10:11 points out that the events transpiring concerning Israel were typical of other events that would transpire on a far greater scale. The priestly class of the Jews finds its anti-type or counterpart in the priestly or clergy class of present time. Had the Jewish clergy taught the people the truth and the people had heeded that teaching the overthrow of that typical nation would not have followed. The Scriptures point out that the degeneration of that nation and its fall was typical of Christendom which is in a degenerate condition and the overthrow of which is now threatened.

Advent of Jesus

God had promised that "In the Seed of Abraham all the families of the earth should be blessed." St. Paul in Gal. 3:16 points out that Christ, the Messiah, is that Seed through which the blessing must come.

At the birth of Jesus the Messenger of heaven made announcement saying: "Glory to God in the Highest on earth PEACE, good will toward men."

Prophetically it had been written concerning Jesus:

"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, AND THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE UPON HIS SHOULDERS and His name shall be called wonderful Counseller, The Mighty God. The Everlasting Father, THE PRINCE OF PEACE."—Isa. 9:6.

Notwithstanding he was the Prince of Peace, the term of his earthly ministry was one of trouble. The clergy element of His time, unmindful of their duties and privileges, persecuted him and incited the mob against him and ultimately caused the crucifixion of the Prince of Peace. Nearly 1900 years have gone since then and during that time militarism has increased and has reached a climax in the close of the Age.

Why He Came

If God intended to bless the people and Jesus was the Great Prince who would bring the blessing, why was He put to death? A proper answer to this question is essential in order to understand the events that have since transpired and which we now witness.

Mankind, through Adam's sin, was under a condemnation of death. No amount of blessing could be lasting until this legal condemnation is removed. "As by the disobedience of one (Adam) sin entered into the world and death by sin, so death passed upon all men, all are (born) sinners" Rom. 5:12 and Psa. 51:5. Hence all must die. The only means of meeting the legal requirement for the release of mankind from this judgment of death was by the death of a perfect one. Jesus became a man and died for this very purpose as the Apostle so clearly puts in Heb. 2:9 and 14. The death of Jesus provided the ransom or purchase price for ALL and in God's due time all must have an opportunity to receive the benefits thereof. 1 Tim. 2:3-8.

Kingdom Class

If Jesus died for all, and His death is to result in a blessing to all, which blessing means life, peace and happiness, why, after a period of 1900-years do we find the earth filled with violence and in the throes of the greatest trouble ever known?

This question is one that has troubled both clergy and laymen. It is a vital question to all. It behooves every one, in this hour of stress, to give careful heed to the Scriptural answer.

Before the foundation of the world, God in the exercise of His love and wisdom, ordained that Jesus Christ should have associated with Him in His great and peaceful work of blessing others, a company whose members should be made like him and who should be known as His Church or Body, the Kingdom class. These to be selected from amongst men, the requirements being that they should by faith become the footstep followers of Jesus. A follower is one who does as Jesus did. At Penticost the selection of this class began in the fuller sense. His disciples had been previously called, but now they were begotten to the higher, the Divine nature. From then until now all who have been called and begotten by God to the divine nature have been called to this high position.

Duties

The steps required to enter this race are these: Faith in the shed blood of Jesus as the great ransom price, a full consecration to do this will of God even unto death, and a faithful and loyal performance of that covenant by keeping or obeying the commandments of the Lord.

Everyone who enters this narrow way is commissioned by the Lord as an Ambassador of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20).

An ambassador who is faithful is one who faithfully represents the King and His Kingdom. Among the commandments given all such by the Lord was and is.

(1) To declare the message of Messiah's Kingdom and

(2) To not be mixed up with the world (Rom. 12:2).

When Jesus stood before Pilate he said "My Kingdom is not of this world (present order) if it were then would my soldiers fight for me." He taught his followers to pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven."

The Apostles and those of the early church faithfully did their duty, and down through the Age there have always been some true and faithful ones who have declared the message of the Lord. But about the Third century ambitious men entered the church. The Papacy was organized. The head of this system—the Pope—announced that he was ruling instead of Christ that the kingdom had already come. He claimed to have authority and exercised authority to crown and uncrown the kings of earth. The Papal churches, in the name of Christ, the Prince of Peace, organized a great military power and went forth to war. For twelve hundred years the people were denied the use of or access to Ribles and were taught only the creeds of selfish men.

Luther led a mighty protest and he and others organized the Protestant church in the name of Christ. Soon, this falling to the blandishments of selfish men, mixing church and state. the Lutheran system became the State Church of Germany. Today the Emperor of Germany claims that he rules not only his own country by divine right but that God has appointed him to rule over other nations of earth with a mailed fist. Does any unbiased person believe this to be true? Does the Bible so teach? It does not.

and that he is reigning by Divine command and so teaching he arms his millions to engage in war.

The Czar of Russia claims to be the head of the Church of that land

In brief every King of Europe claims to be reigning by Divine right and, at the head of his armies, he inyokes the blessing of the Lord upon his efforts to slay his fellowman. Surely the Lord does not approve such a course.

There are nearly two hundred different church denominations in the land today, all of whom are more or less mixing politics and religion, contrary to the command of the Lord. In all these denominations there have been and are yet some true followers of Christ, but the greater majority have little or no use for the blood of Christ. During the past forty years there has been a great falling away from the religion of the cross. Higher criticism and evolution have taken its place.

These various false systems parading under the name of Christ and mixing religion with the politics of the earth, the Lord, in Revelation refers to as Babylon (meaning confusion—an abomination unto the Lord.) These mixed kingdoms and system call themselves "Christendom"—meaning "Christ's Kingdom" but Christ owns no such mixture. As the Jewish system was unfaithful to God and was overthrown, so Christendom" or Babylon has been unfaithful to the Lord and the message of Messiah's kingdom and her doom is sealed.

Christ declared that all of his followers are brethern. The brethern are admonished to love one another. Had "Christendom" been the true representatives and followers of Christ. brotherly love would have prevailed. But instead all these nations, while claiming to be Christian have cultivated the spirit of selfishness. Selfishness has led to the systematic organization of great military powers. Had brotherly love prevailed instead of selfishness militarism would have had no place among the so-called Chistian nations of earth.

Forstold.

The Jewish system reached in fullness in sin and selfishness at the first advent of Jesus, and the nation fell. That fall foreshadowed a far greater fall. Christendom has reached its fullness in sin and selfishness at the second advent of our Lord and its full is near at hand. Mark how the Lord foretold this in His Word. Through the Prophet He said:

"Wait yet upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey; for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth (symbolically meaning order of society or systems) shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy."—Zeph. 3:8.

During the past forty years knowledge has greatly increased. The means of transportation have wonderfully developed causing immigration from one nation to another—the gathering of the nations together. Every nation has sent its ambassadors to every other nation. Telegraph and cable wires have assembled all the nations—bringing them in closer touch with each other. And while this assembling has been going on the great falling away from the faith of Christ and him crucified has taken place. Competition in the trade of the earth has been greatly sharpened by this gathering together the nations. The spirit of selfishness has increased and during the same time the great military and naval powers of the earth have reached a climax.

Preparing for War Foretold.

Twenty-five hundred years ago God through His prophet foretold the coming of this day of excessive militarism, which we now see so clearly fulfilled. Any student can understand a prophecy after it is fulfilled. Through the Prophet Joel He said:

"Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles (nations): Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. Beat your plowshares into swords and pruning hooks into spears (that is, use material for war instruments that could be used for agricultural purposes); let the weak say I am strong. Assemble yourselves and come all ye nations (the word heathen meaning nations) and gather yourselves together round about; * Let the nations be weakened and come to the valley of Jehoshaphat (meaning the valley of graves)."—Joel 8:9-12.

All can readily see how this prophecy has been fulfilled and is now in process of fulfillment. All the nations that claim to be Christian nations have been fulfilling this prophecy for several years, and this and other Scriptures clearly prove that before the trouble has ended all of the so-called Christian nations of the earth will be involved. For this reason we state, that there is no earthly power that can now prevent the United States from being involved in the great and final conflict. Mr. Bryan and others, seeing that preparedness for war means war, are diligently working to prevent preparedness. Their efforts are honest and praiseworthy, but they cannot succeed. The doom of Babylon is sealed. The United States composes a part of Babylon.

Beginning Foretold.

Did the Bible foretell the beginning of this trouble and could the ministers have foretold the people, had they been faithful to their profession? That the Bible foretold the very year in which the war would begin there is no doubt. Why the preachers did not know that and tell the people they must answer. Some Bible students have been pointing out that fact for more than thirty years and the preachers have ridiculed the suggestion and have persecuted those who have called attention to these Bible truths.

Now for the proof.

The "Times of the Gentiles" is a definitely fixed period. Both the Bible and secular history fixes the beginning of the "Times of the Gentiles" at 606 B.C. Bible Chronology definitely fixes the length of Gentile Dominion at a period of 2520 years. Accordingly this period should end in the Autumn of the year 1914. It is reasonable to conclude that these Gentile Governments believing that they are Divine institutions and with the right to rule the earth would not peacefully surrender dominion, but would have to be ousted. When the term of a lease expires and the tenant does not voluntarily vacate the landlord proceeds to cust him. The Lord is proceeding to cust the Gentiles and this proceeding began in the Autumn of 1914—exactly on time. Concerning the coming of that time the Lord had caused these words to be recorded:

"And the nations were angry and thy wrath is come." Rev. 11;18. God is permitting the anger of the nations to weaken each other preparatory to their complete ousting or overthrow.

As an evidence marking the "time of the end" of Gentile dominion the Lord said to the Prophet Daniel. "Shut up the words and seal the book even to the time of the end, (then) many shall run to and fro and knowledge be increased"—"And at that time shall Michael (Christ) stand up, that great Prince which standeth for the children of my people, and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation." Dan. 12:4 and 1. The increase of knowledge has come during the past forty years, likewise the great running to and fro and now the "time of trouble," has begun.

Just before the Crucifixion of our Lord He was asked, What would be an evidence of the end of the Age. To this be answered;

"Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, see that ye are not troubled by these. But when nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom those are the beginning of sorrows."—Matt. 24:6-8.

Never before in the world's history has this prophecy been fulfilled until now. It is clear to the mind of the student of the Lord's Word that this great international war is but the prelude to the "Battle of Armageddon" which must yet be fought.

Time of Trouble.

The Lord Jesus quotes the prophecy of Daniel saying That the Age will end "With a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation, and there shall never be another. (Matt. 24:21). That time of trouble will mark the complete end of Gentile reign, and of militarism.

The Scriptures clearly point out this international war will be followed by revolution and that, by general anarchy. The great thinkers of the earth can see this aside from the Bible and many of them have pointed it out in recent publications

But the question which we wish answered to our satisfaction is

How Will the World be Relieved of Militarism?

Will it be by Germany conquering all the world? It will not. Will it be by Great Britain becoming the dominant power of earth? No. Will it come to pass by the United States extending its beneficent rule to the four corners of the earth? No indeed. Will it be brought about by all the nations so thoroughly arming that all will be afraid to go to war? Will it be preparedness? No. How then? It will come by the peoples of earth becoming thoroughly sick of trouble, selfishness and wrong-doing and by the full establishment of the Kingdom of Messiah.

Mark the proof. In symbolic language the Lord describes the great time of trouble thus; "For He (the Lord) commandeth and reiseth a stormy wind (great wars and trouble) which lifteth up the waves thereof (the restless element of humanity, They mount up to the heavens; they go down to the depths; their soul is melted because of trouble.

They (the nations—peoples) reel to and fro like a drunken man, and are at their wits end. Thon they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distress." —J'sn. 107:25-28.

Man's extremity is God's opportunity, so it has ever been! Again says the Lord through his prophet:

"For thus suith the Lord of hosts, Yet once (more) it is a little while and I will shake the heavens (ecclesiastical systems) and the earth (organized society governments) and the sea (restless humanity) and the dry land (aristocracy). And I will shake all nations, and THEN THE DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS SHALL COME."—Hag. 2:6, 7.

Thus will the Lord shake out all the kingdoms and dominions of this earth ecclesiastical and political, that upon tho ruins thereof He may establish His kingdom for which Christians have long hoped and prayed. This was long ago foretold in the words of the Prophet, saying:

"And in the days of these kings the God of heaven shall set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever."—Dan. 2:44.

Prince of Peace to Holgn.

God is working out His great plan in his own orderly way. Soon the great Prince of Peace will have fully established His Kingdom for the blessing of all the families of the earth. God never fails in one of His promises. Remember that He long ago said this of Jesus Christ.

"Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE UPON HIS SHOULDER, and His name shall be culled Wonderful, Counsellor. The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, THE PRINCE OF PEACE. And of the increase of His Government and PEACE there shall be no end."—Isa. 9:6, 7.

End of Militarism.

Whon Mossiah's Kingdom is established in the earth "then will the inhabitants learn righteousness." All learning to do right, selfishness will be supplanted by love. There will be no more need for the building of battleships, submarines and the equipping of great armies, but instead the people will turn their attention to reconstruction and beautifying the earth. Mark the certain proof thereof:

"But in the last days (and we are in those days now, the last of the Gentile reign) it shall come to pass that the Kingdom (mountain means kingdom) of the house of the Lord shall be established on the top of the kingdoms, and it shall be exalted above the hills, and the people shall flow into it. And many nations shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the kingdom of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob, and He will teach us of His way, and we will walk in His paths; for the law shall go forth of Zion (the Christ) and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He shall judge among many people and decide for nations afar off; and they SHALL BEAT THEIR SWORDS INTO PLOW SHARES AND THEIR SPEARS INTO PRUNING HOOKS, and nation shall not lift up sword against nation, NEITHER SHALL THEY LEARN WAR ANY MORE. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and none shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it."— Micah 4:1-4.

Thus will militarism perish from the earth to be revived no more forever.

Peace and Plenty.

Messiah once established in His Kingdom, peace will know no end and nothing shall be permitted that will do injury to another; for

"Righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins. Aud Nothing shall hurt nor destroy in all that holy kingdom, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."—Isa. 11:5-9.

There will be none then crying for bread, nor weeping because of the desolution of the land; for

"The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man (who was crippled by militarism) leap as a hart and the tongue of the dumb shall sing (because of joy). And the ransomed of the Lord shall return (from the grave, death state) and come to Zion (The Christ) with songs of everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." Isa. 35th Chap.

"And in this Kingdom shall the Lord of Hosts make unto the people a feast of fat things and He will destroy blindness from the people and the veil (of ignorance) that is spread over all nations and He will wipe away all tears from off all faces."—Isa. 25:6-9.

Happiness.

There will be great rejoicing when the people learn there is no more harsh and mailed flat to rule them. and that the oppressor will no more

be permitted. Happiness will reign supreme when they learn that the Lord of righteousness is directing the affairs of society. The Lord puts the words of praise in their mouths and causes them to say

O, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; reverence Him all the earth. Say among the nations the Lord reigneth; the world also (as well as the heaven) shall be established that it shall not be moved; He shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar and the fullness thereof. Let the field be joyful and all that is therein; then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord. for He cometh to judge the earth; He small judge the world with righteousness and the people with His truth."—Psa. 96:8-13.

Life.

Adam by disobedience lost the right to life for himself and all the human race. Jesus died, giving up His human life that the human race might have life (John 10:10, Luke 19:10, I Tm. 2:3-6, Acts 3:19-22) His reign will not only destroy militarism and wrong-doing, but will destroy death itself by lifting up the race out of death and restoring them to life; "For He must reign until He hath put all enemies under His feet, and the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."—I Cor. 15:25-28.

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away."—Rev. 21:4-6.

In this last hour of great sorrow upon the earth, let us point the people to the glorious day just beyond the dark night.

To the ministers of various church denominations I would humbly suggest: Lay aside your highness of mind; humbly take up the banner of the cross and bear its message of peace before the sin-sick world rather than to encourage them in strife and blood shedding.

Yours has been the most honorable calling. Do not debase it by turning to the beggarly elements of the world, but with brave hearts go forth proclaiming the truth. The Kingdom of Messiah is at hand and it is the privilege of every one who believes this to declare it.

We are living in a fearful and wonderful time. A time when history is being made far more rapidly than our forefathers ever dreamed of. We are at the turning point of the two great dispensations. We are beside the death bed of the nations of earth and at the birth of a new and glorious nation. We are standing at the

very portals of the Golden Age. And, while the clouds of sorrow, distress and death now enshroud the humankind, by the eye of faith we can penetrate that darkness and behold the Sun of Righteousness arising with healing in His beams and which shall shine forever-more.

Long have you with others waited, hoped and prayed for the establishment of a Kingdom of righteousness in which peace and joy prevail, and wrong-doing is unknown. Behold it is at the door! Open your Bibles—that great storehouse of unlimited riches of Divine wisdom—and behold what God has wrought and learn what He has in reservation for those who love and obey Him.