418 / Christianity and War

Matt. 20:41; which is synonymous to "the lake which burned with fire and brimstone;" in which the unbelievers shall have their part, "which is the second death." Rev. 21:3. "Hence is the patience and the faith of the saints." The Saviour admonished his followers "in patience to possess their souls." Christians are also called, "saints." A saint signifies a holy one, because he has been anointed, consecrated, and set apart for a holy use. Many thousands of holy saints, have also been killed with the sword, who were strengthened, and blessed with faith and patience to endure their trill, even to the end. But as Christ's kingdom is not of this world, it must be of the world, beyond this,of the spiritual-the heavenly world, and therefore a spiritual and heavenly kingdom. And as Christ is a Prince of Peace, his kingdom also must be a kingdom of Peace.

When Christ the Prince of Peace was born in Bethlehem, a multitude of the heavenly host came down from heaven proclaiming: "Peace on earth, and good will to men." Lu. 2:14. Christ came and preached, "Peace to them that were afar off, and to them that were nigh." Ep. 2:17. God sent his word unto the children of Israel; preaching "Peace by Jesus Christ." Acts 10:36. Jesus said unto his disciples: "Peace I leave with you, my Peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you." Jn. 14:27.-His gospel is called, the "Gospel of Peace." Ep. 6:15.-He himself is the "Author of Peace." 1 Cor. 14:33. "The fruit of the Spirit is Peace." Gal. 5:22, where with his children are anointed.-" Christ is our Peace." Ep. 2:14.-Paul says, "Let the Peace of God rule in your hearts." Col. 3:15.-Christians are commanded to follow Peace with all men: "And if it be possible, as much as lieth in you live peaceably with all men." Rom. 12:18. "The fruit of righteousness is sown in Peace of `.hem that make Peace." Jas. 3:18.-"Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." Matt. 5:9. How then shall they make war? If the Peace-makers are the children of God, then Peace-breakers must be the children of the devil. If Christ is a King of Peace, then his subjects, or the members which compose his kingdom, must be peaceful too. In this peaceful kingdom then, there can be no war, no fighting, no quarreling; neither can there be hatred, envyings, and strife or blood-shed; for where envyings and strife are, there is confusion, and every evil work, which James says, "is not the wisdom from above; but is earthly, sensual, devilish." Jas. 3:15. Jude speaks of some who are sensual, having not the Spirit. Jud. 19; now where such earthly, sensual, and devilish principles are manifested and practiced there can be no Christianity: for, "the wisdom which is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." Jas. 3:17.

Christians can never make war, as the spirit by which they are led and influenced is a spirit of Peace and love; yea, the very essence of Christianity is love and Peace, and according to Christ's doctrine, a Christian will do to others as he would wish them to do to him. He will do no harm, nor any wrong to any one, but rather suffer wrong himself, for which he needs not to be ashamed, as Christ has also suffered wrongfully, "leaving us an example that we should follow his steps."-"He who did not sin, neither was guile found in his mouth."-"Who was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he opened not his mouth." Is. 53:7. His