p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 43, No. 25. (6/20/1916)

A Great World Chorus

It is a very easy matter for an individual to become confused on the questions of peace and war at this time when there are so many strong things said on the various sides of the questions involved. And perhaps there is no more interesting thing connected with the subject than the number of military and naval men who are ardent members of the various peace societies.

Many of those who are training to give their entire life to war occupations seem to be very sincere in their convictions that they are doing it all in the interests of peace. Among the prizes to be awarded at the recent Lake Mohonk Conference on International Arbitration was one of a hundred dollars to be given to "an undergraduate male college student" who should write the best essay "upon international arbitration."

This prize was won by "a naval academy man." Because God foreknew that the minds of men would be so confused, in this generation, on the subject of peace and war, He inspired His prophets to predict that this age would show the greatest war preparations the world has ever seen, and that it would also show the greatest peace preparations that have ever been known. These peace preparations are to continue until the people, in one great world chorus, will be saying, to use the language of the apostle Paul, "Peace and safety." And, according to the same apostle, it is while they are thus saying "Peace and safety," that they are standing upon the brink of "sudden destruction," which comes upon them as unlooked-for as "a thief in the night."

Why cannot the people of this generation see the absurdity of their contradictory theories?

Why can they not see the force of the prophecies they are fulfilling in such a striking manner?

Having Itching Ears

By L. E. F.

"WILL belief in the Bible by and by cease to be a test of the fitness of a candidate for appointment to the Christian ministry? The question is timely, in view of the recent course of some denominations in the examination of seminary graduates. What is now known as 'the enlightened school of religious thought' had its innings a few days ago when the New York Presbytery accepted three candidates of Union Theological Seminary who declined to affirm their faith in the divine birth and the resurrection, two of the time-honored tests of ministerial fitness. They were in a dubious state of mind also concerning the miracles recorded in the Old Testament, especially drawing the line at the pillar of fire which guided the Israelites in their journeyings, the manna in the wilderness, and the story of Jonah. There was a sharp tilt, in presbytery, between the representatives of the old and the new school theologies, and the conservatives deplored the drift toward heresy, but without avail. The new school took the bit in its teeth and came out of the fight victorious."—Christian Herald of April 26, 1916.

C. E. Weaks and wife; two of the 132 new recruits who are being added to our standing army of missionary laborers outside the United States, already numbering 2,927. Mr. Weaks will take charge of the circulation of our publications in the vast Asiatic Division Conference, with its 879,652,000 people.

A. B. Cole and family, who have just sailed for Japan. Mr. Cole will take charge of the Japan Mission Press, and will also act as secretary-treasurer of the Japan Mission. We are now conducting mission work in 67 non-Christian countries. About 500 main stations and substations are operated.

Such reports are coming with alarming frequency in these days. And, too, they now occasion but little surprise or comment. Whither are we drifting?

We are sweeping toward the time when men "will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." 2 Tim. 4: 3, 4.

Paul is here depicting the characteristics of the "last days," as will be seen from a careful reading of the third as well as the fourth chapter.

The times are portentous, and the divine indictment is unequivocal. Woe to the teachers of unsound doctrines! The blood of souls lost by their sophistries will be upon their garments.

To all Christian teachers comes the divine command, "Preach the Word,"—"the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." For "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect." 2 Tim. 4: 2; 3: 15-17. L. E. F.

No Paper Next Week

By Editor

But 50 numbers of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES are promised for each volume. This requires that two numbers shall be dropped out at some time during the year. Following our usual custom, we will issue no paper next week. The other number will be omitted at the close of the year. Kindly understand, therefore, why you will receive no paper next week. The next issue will be dated July 4, and will be a Prohibition Special.

The Next Issue—July 4

By Editor

A Prohibition Special

Pithy Paragraphs Sound Reasoning Striking Facts Articles with a Point

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