NATIONAL DEFENCE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1387, 13 March 1912, Page 6

NATIONAL DEFENCE.

THE CHRISTIAN'S DUTY

(By Toleuroph.-Spccial Correspondent.) Auckland, March 12. The Rev. Geo. Burgess, preaching at Hie Mount Eden Congregational Church, said: ' When Christian people arc discussing tho question of tho Christian's duty in the matter of national defence, and when we hear from various parts of our country of disposition to shirk tho obvious responsibility of organised national defence, it is tinio for ministers ot religion to speak plainly. Here in ■tins country we are enjoying security and comfort, tlio opportunity to further tho social advancement of our fellow beings purchased for us by tho perils endured and the blood spilt by our forefathers in the Homeland, and by the privations and labours of those who have gone before us in tins country. Jt is through" their not hesitating to lay down their lives if need be for the principles of justice and of civil and religious liberty that wo have the freedom and security of to-day—that wo can live comparatively noble lives and can help forward the emancipation of the human race from every form of oppression and wrong, and so further that stato of universal brotherhood which we belicvo to bo the intention of the Almighty and in which we can bo fellow worker's with Him. We are in trust of this freedom and this opportunity to carry out this work, and it is for us to defend tho position which has been so far gained. It is deplorablo that anyone should question the duty to protect our rights, our country, our women, our children, and the generations yet unborn to whom it is due to hand down the hardly-won advantages of which we have entered' into possession. Eternal vigilance, preparation, and self-sacrilice are required until the purposes of God to tho human race are fulfilled. Work out your own salvation, because it is God Who works as well, and Who is indeed fellow-worker with you and will accomplish His own design. Readiness implies preparation. It means sustained enthusiasm if wo are to go through life as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, secure because of the righteousness of our, cause and of One working with us with whom are the issues of life."