“THE HOUSE OF DAVID."

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1917, Page 3

“THE HOUSE OF DAVID."

Conscientious Objector. Wailing for -ingathering of Israel Many of ihe new religions, havinj weird and wonderful terets, mar’s ii America in this latter days, find ad herents in Australasia where somi world-weary folk, realising that here they have no abiding city, easily fal victims to carious delusions that result from private aud unscientific interpretations of writings regarded as divine revelations. One such, a man named Fredeiick William AndersoD, appeared before the Military Service Board at Wellington on''Friday, to olaim exemption from military service. He is a middle-aged man of handsome appearance and except for a somewhat restless eye, appeared rational. His demeanour was quiet, but he gave the impression of being in earnest. When asked fo swear, he quoted the words of Christ: “Swear not at a’l ” He was permitted to make a solemn affirmation. Captain Baldwin : “ You claim exemption because you are a member of the Israelite House of David ?’’ Appellant: “Not necessarily; because of my own private conviction ; not necessarily because I am a member of any institution.” “ Your private conviction—in what way ? ” —“I keep the First Commandment : Thou shah have no other God before me. Jesus said tboie who take tbe sword shall fall by the eword. I take Jesus of Nazareth as my only authority, I follow the N-.zarite law, ana neither put a razor in the head nor tho beard. I follow God according to the Messiah. 1 wish to say that I am waiting to go to America to be present at tbe ingathering of Israel, I have given up all connection with the world and severed myself from everything that is against my conviotions, and am waiting for a permit to go to America,” Captain Baldwin : “ How long have you been a mambor of this body ?” “We do not become members. We are virtually members of that institution.” “How long is it since you have had these convictions ? ” —“I have besn following it in its entirbty for the last three months. Previous to that I had entertained these ideas and now intend to follow them out. Previously I belonged to the bedy known as the Christian Scientists. By faith I am a Christian Science healer. “How long were you a member of the Christian Scientists ? ” —‘’Ten years.”

The chairman : “You have been a Christian Science healer for ten years?”—“No, air, for three years.” Captain Bald win “la there anybody in authority over the Christian Scientists ?”—“What do you mean by authority ? ” “I mean ia there any priesthood ?” Ths Chairman asked if the Christian Scientists’ community had an official head, such as a bishop, and appollsnt said “No.” Captain Baldwin : “Have they any authoritative doctrinea ? ” —“ It all depends on what you call authoritative,” The chairman asked if it would be consistent with appellant’s convictions to do ncn-combative work. Appellant: “No, sir; I refuse to participate at ali.” The chairman : “ The appeal ia diamißßed. Appellant: 11 What doeo that mean air ? ” The carman : “ That we cannot help “Well, air, I aay I am not going into camp,” was the last word of the conscientious objector, as he prepared to leave the room, “That’s nothing to do with na,” * 'mao, and the curtain fell on • the first act in a Bore ; .