SHOULD THE CLERGY FIGHT?

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2410, 16 March 1915, Page 8

SHOULD THE CLERGY FIGHT?

Sir, —I have been reading both "So> ratus" and Mr. H. Milverton's remarks on this subject, and have come to the conclusion that it is well that the great philosopher "Socratus" is not now in this turbulent world of ours. If he were, ■ I am not quite certain as to what he would have to say upon the logic and reasoning of this modern ."Socratus," now appearing in your columns, or even upon Mr. H'. Milverton's assets in this respect. The war may be "anti-Christian, as "Socratus" suggests, or-its mode of operandi in certain' respects may ten ! .that . way. But I do not think that either "Socratus" ;Oi' Mr. H. Milverton will deny that Christianity itself progressed, by the "shedding of . blood." Mr. Milverton says: "The clergy being followers of Christ, should not fight." Then, sirreasoning on .this hypothesis, neither should the soldiers, for is not the soldier, a follower of Christ? Perhaps Mr. Milverton will say they are heathens, or maybe they have joined issues with our Indian friends, and are now Mohammedans ; or Buddhists. I prefer to call them "followers of Christ." Now, sir, is there any difference between "God- and Christ," I would like to know? "Socratus" says God is "love." How does he know? Looking into the Book of Books, some of your correspondents se6m to be so fond of quoting from, I find that the "Lord" commanded "Moses, -the meek and mild," to avenge the children of tho Midianites, and it is recorded that this Moses marched his army out and slew all the males, fivo kings, took tho spoil of, all their cattle, flocks, and goods, burnt all their cities, killed every male atnoiig the little ones, and all the women'children that had not known man by living with him they kept alive for themselves. Is that "live ? Sir, I think there are a few people in. this ! world that tako their "Scripture" too seriously, and who seem to think they can understand the whole Book and .its contents without relying on "authoritative teachings." It is generally these sort of people , that find their way into print, treading <jn ground that even the most learned theologians' would hesitate to ' touch. Like "Socratus" and Mr. Milverton, I' have also read your recent leader on this subject under discussion,\ viz.,' the "Soldier Priest." • It .was good,-tastefully written, and sensible, and I think, sir, it can be safely Heft to the thirty thousand' "soldier priests" now, fighting with-the French armies to reason and; decide, for themselves whether it is right or wrong for. the clergy to fight. Apparently they think it is right,'therefore I do not think any amount ■of paper arguments by either "Socratus" or Mr. Milverton are likely in.this remote quarter of the globe to influence or alter their decision. Did not Christ Himself lay down his.life on.Calvary in-tho interests of (civilisation? If so,'what objection can your correspondents have to his ambassadors. on this earth (in the shape of the clergy) doing likewise, and- against an enemy that according to all accounts lives on a spirit 'ol "materialism," and abolishes entirely Christian teachings? Talk about "love." What greater- "love" can a man hare than. this—that he lay down his life for his friends? That is exactly what Christ did, and exactly what the "soldier priest" is doiiijj, which is but' a modern re-enactment of the sacrifice of Christ Himself. Canon W. Jepherson, rector of Ecton, Northampton, himself an Anglican, does not at least seem to share the opinions of your learned correspondents, for he says; "Never again will such opportunity be offored to'men to loose the bonds of wickcdness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke." (Isaiah.) Again he says: "It is no romance or vain boasting When I tell you that in the sight of God every life laid down is a sacrifice well pleading to God in Heaven." That appears to mo, sir, to be tho "love" that is in a "bayonet charge," and _ the "love" that exalteth a nation to righteousness.—l am, «"tc., J. H. O'CONNOR. Grey town, March 13. 3915.