GONE from the earth is the peace that we covet!
So said the sage, as the war tide swept on:
Where is the word of the heavenly prophet?
Peace upon earth? There is none! There is none!
What of the story that Bethlehem’s manger
Cradled the One who should stablish its sway?
Two thousand years gone, and still ‘tis a stranger,
Peace upon earth! Who can find it today?
Ah! ‘tis a fable, said he, to deceive us,
Told long ago by some crafty old priest:
True, there is something sublime about JESUS;
But “on the earth peace,” it does not exist.
Hark to the crash of the guns they are plying!
Hark to the shriek of shot, shrapnel and shell!
HUSH! . . . there’s a voice! . . . midst the wounded and dying,
“Peace, perfect peace! With my soul it is well.”
[NOTE—The incident of the soldier on the battlefield is based on fact. What else can give “peace with God” save the atoning work of our Lord Jesus Christ? The false teaching of some, who seek to produce unreal courage in the soldiers by saying that their own death for their country will save them, neither gives peace with a holy God, nor assurance in His presence. Its deception may produce a sort of fanaticism, but the experience of most is, that few soldiers believe it, and that most of them despise it. Peace with God and eternal salvation result ALONE from the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.]
Took he his pencil and wrote to his “brother,”
Straight from the blast of the battlefield’s flood:
“I have been hit, but like many another,
Oh! I have peace, through my Saviour’s shed blood.”
Peace upon earth? Yes, and peace in the battle;
Peace with the God against whom was my sin;
Peace in the soul; nor the roar and the rattle
Raging without me can change it within.
Only the One who was sinless and holy
Giveth to God the full price of our guilt:
‘Tis not my death, but the death of Christ solely,
Saveth the soul, saveth thee, if thou wilt.
Nor did the stable of Bethlehem receive Him
Only to bring peace on earth to the soul;
Hastens a day when the world shall believe Him;
Backward the war clouds of nations He’ll roll.
Yes; for He cometh to rule,—spread the story!
E’en as He first came to suffer for sin;
Coming to sway the strong scepter of glory;
Coming with peace which He first died to win.
Coming to calm the cruel storms of the nations,
Gladness and rest to all people He brings!
Joyful they yield Him their richest oblations,
Blessing and praising the true KING OF KINGS.
Flourish the palm and the beautiful olive!
Tell ye the sage that the dove’s rest has come!
True was the word of the angels’ sweet missive,
Peace for the earth, for the heart, and the home.
H. J. V.