The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-23
THE MORAL REASON FOR WAR.
Rev. OsgOod F. Cooks Sermon at
Grace Church.

Rev. Osgood F. Cook discussed the
moral reason the United States have FOR
waging war against Spain in his sermon
at Grace Methodist Church last night
The congregation was a large one, prob
ably because the occasion is ready for a
sermon treating this feature Of the con-
hict.
The sermon was based on the following
text taken from Timothy /, IL: Il exhort,
therefore, that intcrcessions be made for
kings and for all that are in authority,
mat we may lead quiet and peaceable
lie, in all Goodness and honesty"
From the text many beautiful thoughts
Were drawn, urging the duty Of prayer
IA behalf OF this country. since 1t is now
involved in the conflict. Among other
Things, Rev. Mr.. Cook said:
War Is terrible under any circum-
stances" he said, involving an immense
expenditure of money, the paralysis of
business, and the loss Of many lives. We
lremDle TO think Of the consequences Of
warfare in the light of the conflicts of the
past Besides the suffering and death, the
passions OF men are usually given loose
reign and many evils result. 1t Is also a
time of anxiety and apprehension for all
VINO remain at home Sherman said war
was hell.
generally considered, and the righteous
ness of the present conflict called In ques-
ton IN some quarters. The answer de-
Ponds upon the cause War is not right
when waged upon the principal of main
tenance of honor, or for the settlement of
difficulties arising over boundary disputes,
or Tor the acquisition of territory. A ma
ton is but the congregation OF individuals.
What is right or wrong for a nation Is
right or wrong for the Individual and vice
versa. The law Of God is opposed to diff
hculties on such grounds. The law of our
country Is against duels, and the Scrip
lures say 'Avenge not yourselves, but
rather give place unto wrath; for 1t is
written, vengeance is mine; L will repay,
saith the Lord
The doctrine of Intervention In the in
terests of an oppressed people is the
ground of righteousness in the present
conflict. From a high Christian standpoint
blood-shed can only be justified after all
possible means have been exhausted for a
peaceful settlement of difficulties, and
then I'm defense of life. The Scriptures en-
join sympathy for the oppressed and suC-
fering ones. Relieve the oppressed, right
the fatherless, plead for the widow
After weary years of misrule, suffering,
oppression, starvation and death in Cuba ;
after all the arts and resources of diplo-
macy had been exhausted, resistance be-
came a sacred duly, progress of civiliza-
ton, and Christianity demanded interven-
ton. War was inevitable
The die being cast, the duty of content
ment and faith in God must be urged
Each individual is a partner of the gov
eminent, and must do his full duty in fear
of God. Whether We stay or CO. the one
duty for all is that urged by the Apostle
The officers, from the President down, are
the ministers of God-IIis representatives
in the conduct of the war The welfare and
destiny of the people is dependent upon
their plans and deliberatiOn, and the ex-
ecutions of same by officers. Hence the ne
cessity for prayer IN their behalf that they
may be guided by the wisdom which God
will give to all men literally God can and
will use men inVoiuntarily for the ac-
compishment of His purposes, even bring
ing good out of intended evil, in answer to
the concerted prayers of His people
The reason for our intercessions at this
time is that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all goodness and honesty.
We desire d speedy restoration of quletude
and peace, and the opening of the closed
doors of the West Indies, the Philippines
and the Caroline Islands, for the preaching
of the Gospel of the Son of God and the
spread Of goodness. We are not fighting
for greed or glory"