Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Spiritual Wickedness in High Places, or the Devil in the Kaiser: A Sermon Preached in the Bethany Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, June 10, 1917
The progress of the human race toward its appointed destiny is like the course of a mighty river. Its normal course from the moun tains, whence it rises, toward the ocean is peaceful and quiet; but along its peaceful course it meets with obstacles which it must either go around or combat and overleap. These obstacles disturb its peace, and throw its waters into confusion and turmoil. Sometimes these disturbances are comparatively trivial. Sometimes they make only small ripples. Sometimes these obstacles are more serious, and throw the otherwise peaceful waters into wild and turbulent confusion. Sometimes the river passes along by a course of least resistance, mak ing it to meander and divert itself from a straight course, though its general direction is always toward the ocean. Sometimes the waters take a wild leap over a precipice, as at Niagara, and foam down on to a lower level, throwing up clouds of spray, and, with a mighty roar, rush through the great gorge of broken rock, farther on making what we call the Whirlpool Rapids. But all along the course, whether with peaceful ?ow or with wild contention, it is the same river. Sometimes for miles or long distances the river is utilized for peaceful purposes, turning the wheels of industry, or irrigating the thirsty land. Some times the waters broaden out into great lakes, bearing on their bosom the travel and commerce of nations. These peaceful stretches may represent to us the times of Peace; but when the same river is seen in contention with rocky obstructions or plunging over Niagara-like precipices, and rushing through a mighty gorge, it represents to us War.
Whether in the course of time the history of the world is marked by peace or war, let us not forget that the human race is moving stead ily on toward its final destiny. In either case, we must accept war as normal as peace; and we must adjust ourselves to either condition in which we find ourselves. This double process will continue till He comes whose right it is to reign. Then will the sword be beaten into the plowshare and the spear into the pruning hook. Only the Christian can contemplate war with undisturbed mind, for he knows that God is over all, making the wrath and wickedness of man to praise Him, while restraining the remainder of wrath; and will at last bring in that kingdom which is righteousness, peace, and the joy of the Holy Ghost.
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