Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-25

The forciblc annexation of the Phil
ippinc Islands is defended by some on
the ground that our nation is perform
irg Il religious duty. Without stopping
TO elaborate the fact that a large num-
Der of the Filipinos arc already mem
bers of one branch of the Christian
Church, it is worth while TO inquire
whether wars of conquest are in line
with Christian precepts.
Rev. James l.. Barton, Secretary OF
the American Board OF Foreign Mis-
sions, denies that an American protec-
torate over non-Christian countries
VIII aid our missionaries. He says:
Hitherto our missionaries have gone
to the ends of the earth carrying on
their work, and ii has never been
charged upon them that they were
the forerunners OF the colonies to be
planted. which in turn We're to lead to
a protectoratc from the home country.
ii not annexation. Missionaries from
England, Germany and France have
been open To these charges, and there
by their influence has been greatly mar
rowod and their efforts msinterpretcd
while our own missionaries have been
entirely unhampered."
The Christian religion is essentially
religion of the heart. and love is its
supreme manifestation. The Kingdom
OF Heaven has been likened unto 4
grain OF mustard seed, which by its in
ternal. vital force grows into n great
tree and to 4 little heaven which grad
ually leavens the whole lump.
There are some who think that dcs-
tiny leads us away from the Declara-
ton of Independence, away from the
Constitution and away from the ira
dit!onS of the past. There are some
who even think that our nation is
commanded to go forth with the Bible
in one hand and the musket in the 9TH
er, prepared to read the former to those
who escape the latter.
We have been warned against false
prophets. and II will be our own fault
II We are led astray. test has been
given lis by which we can distinguish
between the spurious and the true
Beware OF false prophets which come
to YOU in Sleeps clothing. but inward
~ they are raveninS wolves. Ye shall
know them by their fruits. Do men
gather grapes OF thorns or figs of this
ties"
by their fruits we shall know them
When we are told that religious duty
requires us TO deprive remote races OF
the opportunity for f-government, we
nave IL right TO inquire whether our in
atructorS have been careful TO observe
Their religious duties at home. We can
not expect philanthropy and benevo-
lence to inspire imDerialists in their
special privileges have been the frui :
of their domestic policies. If they have
sacrificed others for their own benefit
here. are they likely to make sacrifices
for the benefit OF others abroad? VIII
they be more considerate OF subjects
than they have been OF citizens? Or is
IL the enchantment OF distance that
transforms seliishness into altruism?
Lincoln was once asked whether he
thought the Lord was on his side. and
he replied that he was anxious to be
on the Lords side. We cannot change
eternal principles to suit our own con
vcnicnce or 10 advance our own plans.
but we can strive with singleness of
purpose to know the truth, and when
we find that which we believe 10 be
the truth we can adhere to it.
Let us not mistake temptation for OPP
portunity. The sight OF new territory
may be alluring. the glory of an empire
may be fascinating. but the price de-
manded is too great.
The devil taketh Him up into an OK
ceeding high mountain and showcth
Him all the kingdoms Of the world and
the glory Of them. and satin unto Him.
all these things viii I give thee If thou
wilt fall down and worship me. Then
saith Jesus unto him. Get thee hence,
satan"
w. J. BRYAN