The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-29


mediaevalism is perpetuated in our modern
day and allowed to work its mischief in
the face of our better knowledge and spirit
it is because some law of brotherhood has
been neglected by the more advanced ma
tons. No nation can attain its true glory
until all other nations and peoples are lifted
out of darkness and cruelty and animalism.
And so this war which we did not want
but which has been thrust upon us, is say
ing to US, America, thou art highly favored
among the nations; thou art great in oppor-
tunities and in resources; thou art great in
the benefcence of the laws and in the char
acter of thy citizens; but thou has forgotten
the claims of brotherhood Remember that
thou canst not be most truly great and pros
porous and happy by myself, and while 9TH
er peoples are weak and poor and miserable;
thou canst not become greatest America
while Cuba is suffering and oppressed and
while Spain maintains the spirit of cruelty
in her civilization. Cuba must rise and
Spain must rise, and all the nations must
rise on the scale of civilization
In some such ways the deeper significance
Of one of the most fundamental facts of re-
ligion, the fact of the solidarity of the race,
is being forced upon our attention. The
sooner we recognize in unselfshness the
mighty claims of brotherhood the more
speedily will war, the monster evil, depart
forever from our land
g. Again, this war compels us to a new
recognition of the dominance of the divine
element in human history.
1t is not difficult to see, when we look
carefully into history, that God has pur-
poses and plans in men and governments
which transcend our purposes and plans.
Some of us remember how it in 81.
Nobody had definite plan. Here in the
North there were great differences of opin-
ion as to what the real issue was. But at
length the purpose of God was dimly dis
covered and the war finally ended, not only
in the preservation of the Union, but in the
overthrow of human slavery in America.
How manifestly in all this did the purpose
and plan of God transcend those of men.
THE DIVINE TOUCH.
And how is it to-day? We have started
without very definite plans. There are diff
ferences of opinion as TO what is the real
issue. The cry of some is, Remember the
Maine" of others, Cuba libre" Some think
we are fighting to annex Cuba, and others
that the battle is in the name of humanity.
Hatred, revenge pride, patriotism, ambition
all are at work as we stand at the open
ing of this new war. And it is no dispar-
agement of anybodys wisdom to say that
nobody at the present moment can foresee
the ultimate issue. That is the part of the
divine purpose not yet revealed.
But may we not begin to discern the di-
vine touch in this crisis? Consider that this
great Nation has at it's head to-day in place
of greatest human responsibility, a Presi-
dent who loves right, who loves peace, who
loves God That is providental.
Then, the steps by which we have come
to this pass have been taken reluctantly
Passion and prejudice in politics have
shown themselves here and there: criticism
and folly and untruth have not been absent
from public press or private conversation,
and yet amid all these things and against
the will of the people, the war idea has
shaped itself into actual war. That we are
at war with Spain is not the fault of Con-
gress not the fault of the American people,
not even the fault of yellow journalism"
it is because some purpose and plan of God
is shaping itself in spite of our wisdom or
foly-nay, through our wisdom and folly
toward a better humanity.
And that this is so is still further at
tested by the fact that since war has been
determined, it is generally conceded to be
righteous war-not because war in itself is
cause some holy purpose of God is strug
Cling to express itself, for whose free course
this unavoidable evil may prepare the way.
3. Certainly if this conflict is emphasiz-
ing the brotherhood of man and the SOW
ereignty of God, it must be that war times
call for religion as deep and vital as times
of peace.
L need hardly say that the immediate re-
re Of xya 0ia nt RI ho
turbing What about your Christian prin-
ciples now? How now about that charge,
Love your enemies?" What about those
precepts which counsel peace? Away with
your Christianity in war times
But hold! Look deeper! None of these
fundamental principles are suspended. You
will find their application, not by ignoring
them, but by looking more deeply into them.
Discriminate between the state and the in
dividual 1t is not individuals who meet in
dfviduals in battle; it is government against
government, army against army. The sol
der is no longer an individual while the
battle lasts; it is the arm of the state which
is striking the blow. But the moment the
victory belongs to either side that moment
the individual becomes again an individ-
ual, to do what ne can to comfort and help,
and to let all the humanities be touched by
the loving and torgiving and peaceful spirit.
RELIGION AND PATRIOTISM.
And that is just what our religion does
on the battlefield, and just what makes
the difference between barbarians and
Christians in war. Some of the most touch
ing and beautiful exhibitions of the Chris
tan spirit which the world has ever seen
have been witnessed after the engagement
on modern battlefields, and between the
individuals of opposing armies.
But are not states, as well as individuals,
bound by these same gentle principles of
love and forgiveness and peace? In the
last analysis. yes. But do not forget that
war is an evil just the violent storm in
nature is an evil 1t is the shock which
breaks up congested conditions, whereby the
gentler and always active forces of good
may have freer course toward their higher
ends. The law of love. as binding upon ma
lions, is not suspended by war, but seeks
ever fuller sway, even if its path must be
made straight by the engines of war.
Patriotism is akin to religion. Both have
upon them the stamp of the cross Progress
in liberty and in righteousness has borne
something like direct ratio to the self
sacrificing love of Gods people. Some
times the highest ends of life are reached
through death To whatever sacrifices our
people may be called in this war LOT rs