A CLERGYMAN ON THE VOLUNTEER SYSTEM.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 131, 5 June 1877, Page 2

A CLERGYMAN ON THE VOLUNTEER SYSTEM.

The Rev. J. Hill, the chaplain to the Thames Companies of Volunteers, preached a farewell sermon last Sunday prior to his leaving the district, about 350 Tolunteers being present. In the course of his remarks the rer. gentleman said: — I hare ever appro Ted of the Tolunteer movement in New Zealand; it is baaed on the fact that defensive war is not wrong. That offensive war is heinously wrong admits of no dispute. The people who, either to gratify their ambition or increase their territory, can marshal their armies and send them forth to overrun with devastation and blood a neighboring country are, notwithstanding the deeds of prowess and daring they may do, deserving of the condemnation and execration of mankind. But j ust because there are nations and tribes that are ready on the slightest pretext to introduce the horrors of war, the form of it which is called defensive is not only right but necessary. It is but maudlin sentimentality, impracticable utopiauism, to say the reverse. That in spreading sound intelligence and humane principle peace societies have done good is frankly and gratefully admitted; but when they step in, when the clouds of war begin to darken the sky, and say to the party about to be crushed— " You must do nothing to prevent the evil that is coming upon you; you must on no account draw the sword to shed blood, but suffer patiently—" they bring their principles into ridicule, and enjoin what is neither right nor possible for human nature to perform. Where is the man that would not defend his house from the attacks of the robber, or his children from the attacks of the murderer? And where is the people that would tamely submit to the heel of oppression and the yoke of tyranny; that would see their privileges taken from them, their institutions overthrown, and their homes desecrated, and not raise an arm in defence? Such a people would deserve but one late— to have their name blotted out for ever and ever from the , roll of nations. They act cowardly, not only towards themselves, but to the cause of progress and civilisation; and thoy violate some of the deepest principles that the Great Creator has planted in the human heart. Defensive war bring justifiable, thero must be according to a country's danger, and a country's means, preparedness for it. It ig right to be ready to quench the flra that may arise in a town or city, and efficient means are employed for the purpose. Companies of men are trained, and all the necessary appliances prepared. So must it be right to be ready to put out the flames of war ere they spread to devour, not only shpps apd houses, but the happiness and the lives of thousands. But this preparedness is not only requisite for defence when war. arises,

but is most powerful in keeping war from arising. For the ch«nce3 of war—the probabilities or improbabilities of success— are not overlooked by any nation even when the fiercest passion or loftiest ambition fires the soul. In this way a people that is strong may be let alone. Might is not right; but it is often its defence. Tha* the Volunteer movement in New Zealand has had this influance no thoughtful person will deny. The enrollment of civilians as soldiers has secured something far more important than parade and display on holidays. It has tended greatly to preserve that peace which is essential to the prosperity of the colony, and in which we now rejoice. Thus, heartily sympathising with the Volunteer movement, I have occupied for several years the position of chaplain to one of tha companies at the Thames.