War.
"He maketh wars to cease." If we were asked to give in one short word the most prevailing character, the most striking feature, of human history—the history of all nations, civilized or savage, ancient or modern—we must reply, "War." If we were asked—What has been the severest scourge under which human life and happiness have suffered? we must again say, "War." If we were asked to furnish in one word the proof that human nature is sinful, q.d. that its passions are not bridled by justice or ruled by love, we must again answer, "War." Is this to be the case always? Will the time come when nations "shall learn war no more"?
I. GOD ALONE CAN MAKE WARS TO CEASE. Science cannot do it. It can teach men how more skilfully to destroy each other, but not to love one another. Commerce cannot do it. Some of the cruelest and wickedest wars have been waged for the sake of trade and revenue. Education cannot do it. The most highly educated nations of the world are the most military. Progress and civilization cannot; for they do not make men unselfish. The source of war is not in outward circumstances, but in human nature; in the lust of gain, of power, of glory, of vengeance (James 4:1). No power can subdue these but his who could say to the winds and waves, "Peace, be still!"
II. GOD CAN DO IT. By miracle, if he sees fit; sink every war-ship, paralyze every soldier's arm or eye. But that is not God's way of ruling the world. He will not make wars to cease unless the roots out of which they grow be plucked up. While sin reigns, strife will reign. Only let justice and benevolence become universally recognized and obeyed, and war must die out. For, allowing that war may be just and even (in the long run) benevolent on one side, there never was and never can be a war that was just on both sides. How, then, can God make war to cease? By making all men loving and righteous, wise and unselfish. This does not imply any imaginary impossible perfection. There are tens of thousands who make no pretence to perfection, yet are so governed by justice and inspired by kindness, that if all were like them, war would be impossible. The love of God, the Spirit of God, and the truth of God, can do this, and are doing it daily. What God does in these cases he can do in others. Things impossible with men are possible with God.
III. GOD HAS PROMISED TO DO THIS. (Isaiah 2:4; James 3:18.) No nobler title belongs to our Saviour than "Prince of Peace" (see Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 1:20; Romans 5:1). If we are tempted to ask, "If God can make wars to cease, and has promised, why does war continue to scourge mankind?" the answer must be, "Because men will not have God's remedy." As long as they are not at peace with God, so long they cannot, shall not, be at peace among themselves. Do not think that God looks down on human suffering with indifference. The whole Bible is in contradiction to such a thought; but, above all, the fact that his beloved Son has taken our suffering flesh on him. God is the "Author of peace, and Lover of concord." But he will have no remedy which does not go to the root. Righteousness must go first; peace follows (Isaiah 32:17; James 3:18). Meanwhile let us rejoice in the promise and prospect (Psalms 72:7). Every triumph of the gospel, every heart yielded, every life consecrated to Christ, is a step towards the blessed reign of universal peace (Matthew 5:9).
HOMILIES BY C. CLEMANCE