scattering flowers and riches and pleasures on every side; and the world has enjoyed a longer interval of quiet, kindly feeling, and brotherly national affection, than at any time, probably, for ages past,—if, indeed, there was ever such a one before.[1] This may be considered as the commencement of that "good time coming," which all are so anxiously looking for. Yet we should not be deceived. It is in vain to expect a settled and lasting outward peace, till there is a settled inward peace. While there is ambition, selfishness, and evil in the hearts of men, we may cry "peace, peace, but there is no peace." So long as false principles are fixed in men's minds, and thence false and unjust institutions exist in the Church and in Society,—then, when the light of truth comes and clearly exposes these,—there must be a combat and a storm within, and thence there will sometimes be storm, and revolution, and war, without, also. When the Prince of Peace shall have established his reign in the world, by the regeneration of the individual men that compose the world, then, and not till then, will a true and solid peace be established upon earth,—a peace which shall endure. Then "shall they sit every man under his vine and under his fig-tree, and none shall make them afraid." Then may men, without fear, "beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; for nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
- ↑ This passage was written previously to the late war between England, France, and Russia,—when there had been nearly forty years of peace.
