Were Revolting Against The Romans In Defense...

were revolting against the Romans in defense of their religion and fighting to procure the liberty to which they believed themselves entitled. They had been split in many factions and were having conflicts among themselves. ¶

At the same time they were waging wars against the heathens in Egypt, Syria, and other places, killing many and being massacred in their turn. ¶

James asks this question: Does not war come from lusts? The Jewish contentions and predatory wars were generated upon lust. Lust has been the motivating force of the wars that have afflicted and desolated the world. One nation has coveted another's territory or property or has attempted to force its will or way of life upon another by resorting to physical violence as a means to accomplish its purposes. ¶

Nations kill, slay, burn, and destroy until one of them is overcome. History is a repetitious recital of intentional and wanton destruction of life and property. Today is not different from the yesterdays. The populace prays and cries for peace. ¶

Peace defined The word peace appears frequently in scripture and has many meanings. ¶

In classical Greek the word refers to cessation, discontinuance, or absence of hostilities between rival forces. This definition is the antithesis of war and strife. The New Testament, however, has given far wider range of meaning. ¶

This is partly due to the influence of the Hebrew word for peace, which is far more comprehensive of meaning. ¶

It was commonly used as a form of greeting when persons met or parted: ¶

"May peace be with you." ¶

Jesus said, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. . . ." ¶

(Mark 5:34.) On the evening of the day of the resurrection, he came to the place where the disciples were assembled and said to them, "Peace be unto you. ¶

"And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. ¶

"Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you. . . ." (John 20: ¶

19-21.) Paul has incorporated this greeting into the opening sentences of his letters, as do the other writers of the epistles. ¶

The word has also been used in the New Testament in reference to "domestic peace" between husband and wife (1 Cor. 7:15), to harmonious relationships within the whole family (Matt. 10:34), and in many instances to happy, personal relationships with others. It has also been used to mean "peace of mind" or serenity, and the right relationships between God and man. ¶

God prescribes conditions of peace Because of the difference in definitions, those who seek peace may be searching for unrelated conditions. ¶

The peace for which the world longs is a time of suspended hostilities; but men do not realize that peace is a state of existence that comes to man only upon the terms and conditions set by God, and in no other way. ¶

In a psalm in the Book of Isaiah are these words: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." ¶

(Isa. 26:3.) This perfect peace mentioned by Isaiah comes to one only through a belief in God. This is not understood by an unbelieving world. ¶

"My peace I give unto you" ¶

On the last occasion that Jesus had supper with the Twelve, he washed their feet, broke bread for them, and passed them the cup; then, after Judas had left their midst, the Master spoke to them at some length. Among other things, he told of his impending death and of the legacy he left for each of them. He had accumulated no goods, property, nor wealth. The record tells us of no possessions other than the clothing he wore, and on the next day after the crucifixion this would be divided by the soldiers, who would cast lots for his coat. His bequest was given to his disciples in these simple yet profound words: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27.) He used the Jewish form of salutation and benediction: "My peace I give unto you." This salutation and bequest was not to be taken by them in the usual sense, for he said, ". . . not as the world giveth, give I unto you." ¶

Not empty wishes, not just polite ceremony, as the people of the world use the words as matters of custom; but as the author and Prince of peace, he gave it to them. He bestowed it upon them and said, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Within a few hours they would be subjected to trouble, but with his peace they could overcome fear and stand firm. ¶

"Be not afraid" ¶

His last statement to them before the closing prayer on that memorable evening was this: ". . . in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33.) Promise of peace There is no promise of peace to those who reject God, to those who will not keep his commandments, or to those who violate his laws. The Prophet Isaiah spoke of the decadence and corruption of leaders and then continued in his admonitions by saying: "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. ¶

"There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." (Isa. 56:20-21.) The unrighteous and wicked have no peace, and their actions take away the peace of others. Turmoil in the world has usually been caused by a few individuals or a minority, causing millions of innocent persons to suffer. ¶

Today, as in eras gone by, those who are the innocent victims of oppressors hopefully look for peace. This cannot come by riots or placards or even the cessation of hostilities. It can come only in the way the Lord gave his peace to the Twelve, "not as the world giveth." ¶

One of the great writers has penned: ¶

"Peace does not dwell in outward things, but within the soul; we may preserve it in the midst of the bitterest first Day pain, if our will remains firm and submissive. Peace in this life springs from acquiescence, not in an exemption from suffering." (Fenelon.) Peace, triumph of principles Emerson wrote: "Nothing can bring you peace but yourself; nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles." (Essay, "Self-Reliance.") These principles are incorporated into the gospel of Jesus Christ. Indifference to the Savior or failure to keep the commandments of God brings about insecurity, inner turmoil, and contention. These are the opposite of peace. Peace can come to an individual only by an unconditional surrender — surrender to him who is the Prince of peace, who has the power to confer peace. ¶

One may live in beautiful and peaceful surroundings but, because of inner dissension and discord, be in a state of constant turmoil. On the other hand, one may be in the midst of utter destruction and the bloodshed of war and yet have the serenity of unspeakable peace. If we look to man and the ways of the world, we will find turmoil and confusion. If we will but turn to God, we will find peace for the restless soul. This was made clear by the words of the Savior: "In the world ye shall have tribulation" (John 16:33); and in his bequest to the Twelve and to all mankind, he said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth. . . ." (John 14:27.) "Come unto me, all ye that labor" ¶

We can find this peace now in a world of conflict if we will but accept his great gift and his further invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ¶

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Matt. 11:28-29.) This peace shelters us from the worldly turmoil. The knowledge that God lives, that we are his children, and that he loves us soothes the ¶

troubled heart. The answer to the quest lies in faith in God and in his Son, Jesus Christ. This will bring peace to us now and in the eternity to follow. ¶

I witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world, and that this is his Church, in his holy name. Amen. ¶

Joseph A. Gundersen, formerly president of the Norwegian Mission. Following the benediction the Samoan Choir will , sing, "Tofa My Feleni." ¶

This is a favorite song of President McKay, which was sung first for him in Samoa on his visit to the Islands in 1921. He will be listening in. The General Session of this conference will then be adjourned until 10:00 Saturday morning. ¶

Benediction by President Joseph A. ¶

Gunderson, Norwegian Mission. ¶