THE WARLIKE PRESBYTERIAN.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1653, 21 December 1916, Page 4

THE WARLIKE PRESBYTERIAN.

PROF. RENTOUL’S TESTIMONIAL. NOBLEST ROMAN OF THEM ALL The Rev. Dr. Rentoul, Professor of Theology at Ormond College, Melbourne, who has visited the front, has been interviewed by The 'Film's. Dr. Rentoul said be expected a long war, calling to the uttermost for the whole Empire’s loyally and endurance. It was a life and death struggle, wherein the Empire’s existence was at slake, lie had no doubt about the linal results.

But Ireland’s failure to aeeepl cianpulsion, he added, and the resislance to general service by certain demagogic and ecclesiastical eleniunls in Australia had imposed the most serious strain on the loyal, selfsacrificing portions of (he overseas Dominions. The young manhood of all Australian churches had offered themselves freely—the Anglicans and Presbyterians particularly. Presbyterians bad blest the most nobly of all.

The Australian fanning population had shown marvellous slowness and unwillingness, and wanted (heir sons for dump labour on Ihe land. They were not responding like the young men of the cities, towns, universities, and high schools. Professor Renfoul quoted London newspapers which attributed (lie result of (he referendum to (he German farmers in Xew Booth Walqp, ;md the Roman Catholic population, and the fanatical socialistic dements among Hie Labour Parly. He added;—“lt is not for me to sav whether llii.s explanation is quite eon-eel, but your readers can judge.” Professor Rent out thinks that Ger/nany is weakening, but her wonderful military system and her interior line,-, mean Hint furl her saeriliees are necessary lie fore victory can he achieved. He eulogised the lister divisions Cor their heroism, and stigmatised Hie south of Ireland’s refusal of conscription as one of the darkest and most astonishing things in [he history of the Empire. He regretted the disunion ot the English non-episcopal churches, which were missing a great opportunity and playing into the hands of Anglican high-ehurehism.

Though an Ulsterman, Professor Renloul has been a strenuous advocate of Home Rule for Ireland.