SOME CLERGYMEN AND NATIONAL DEFENCE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1705, 24 March 1913, Page 5

SOME CLERGYMEN AND NATIONAL DEFENCE.

Sir,—As a parent, and having experience of the Canadian defence system from over four years residenca in Ontario, I must congratulate that portion of the New .Zealand press, including yoyl popular paper, for the stand taken in warm support of the Defence Act in its integrity. The authorities clearly mdi--1 cato a tine spirit of allowance in extreme oases, and accept all that Ann bo done to meet the requirements of the _ laiv, which I call a beneficent' law. It simply means the State trains young men to defend their hom'es. Israel had to light, under Divine direction, not merely in defence, but in actual ' aggression. The ' fighting capacity of David had something ito do with his selection as King. Ihe i character is in perfect harmony vitli goodness. A people who would a]"™ , themselves to be walked over would be ! deeenerate.s, drifting downwards. It is I painful to read the remarks of snnio of I the clergy, taking sides -with offenders against -a. fair statute law. I am all j Anglican,-- and know not the vows of Nonconformist clergymen, but T expect I thev nromise allegiance tn the Pnverelpil I and the Rtite laws. _ T their ■ time oceuniod in political strife is nlwo- - luMv contrary in spirit at least to their ordination pledge*. IVir business, is first, to preach the Gospel, and that ; means to live the Gosnel, too. It a pilv emin»nt men 111 the churches n ll"\v the politienl Ivnt of their, minds to run awiy with their better wives. I rempp-W a c!eri»ytnnn in the' North of Tr-'nnrl |-Imt "hit' out-'from his pulnit' until he hid 110 ennsrrcrntion, and then lvfi'(.-v>i- a f'arliam"nt-Try sent a« a "HmHi IJu'er." Hi- to simply a crank, and :it New 7/fn'nnd haf--'wi"ie of t'mt iyiv fiat' ha'vo mist.nken tbeir oilling. It v-™iid be n>«r<i to their erwl't. if tliey ennnnt by their all on the "lijtar," to resign.—l am, etc., , .1 ONtoN JACK.