Semi-weekly herald., 1910-06-02
MEMORIAL DAY ADDRESS,;
A PLEA FOR UNIVERSAL PEACE
cBy Rcy. w. s. crozler.)

(Read Rom. xiii, Micah iv. l-5)
Micah lv. iv. g. And he will judge
between many peoples and will decide
concerning strong nations afar off:
and hey shall beat their swords into
plowshares, and their spears into prun-
ing hooks; nation shall not lift up
sword against nation, neither shall
they learn war any more"
After eulogizing the old soldiers and
their struggles, MIR. Crozier continued:
However the question arises, and
presses upon us for an answer, wheth-
er the time has not come for an adj
vance upon The past and a declaration
for international peace. In taking up
this question. we wish ii clearly I'M
derstood that we are not denying the
place that war has had in the devel.
Opment of our nation and of the ma.
lions. Some of the most interesting
and important events in the history
ad development of The nations center
In their wars. Wars have afforded
the occasion for the exhibition of
those deeds of valor that have always
and everywhere thrilled human hearts.
The issues of wars have in many
instances been mile-posts marking the
advance of the human race in its
march toward civilization. Through
wars wrongs have been righted. jus
tice has been vindicated. development
has been made possible.
We wish it understood also that we
are in no way minimizing patriotism.
There will always be in the heart of
every loyal citizen place for that
spirit. which. originating in the love
of country. prompts to obedience to
its laws, to the support and defense
of its existence, rights and lnstitu-
tions. and TO the promotion of its vel.
fare" He, whose heart is not warm
ed by love for his country. and who is
unwilling to protect his country. and
will not labor and sacrifice for It's safe
ty and prosperity, is an unworthy citl-
zen.
We hold, however, that peace is the
ideal state of society. Peace among
men was the annunciation of the an
gels AT the birth of the Messiah. II
Is held up by prophet and apostle as
the ideal state. Whether or not 1t will
prevail before the millennium is an
open question. But just as certainly
as it is required of every individual
TO strive for a perfect life here and
now, though the attainment Of perfec-
tion in this present life is an impossi-
bility. so are the nations, separately
and in concert, TO strive after that
state of affairs when wars shall be
done away II is in times of peace
that our real advancement has been
made War is the cessation of growth.
It is destruction, both Of life and prop
erty; Il Is desolation. It is death.
This truth has been realized by some
whom we number among our greatest
warriors They have regarded war
only as an avenue to peace. The Fa-
ther of Our Country, even in his day,
foresaw this and said, MY first wish
is TO see the plague OF mankind, war,
banished from the earth" General
Grant. offered a military review by
ing he never wished to look upon a
regiment OF soldiers again. General
sherman writes that he was tired
and sick of the war. Its glory is all
moonshine. 1t is only those who have
neither fired shot nor heard the
groans and shrieks of the wounded,
why cry aloud for more blood, more
vengeance, more desolation. War is
hell"
If the question were put to vote
whether the records OF the Civil war,
with all it's hardships and sacrifices,
It's victories and its glories, shall be
expugned from the pages of history
we're that possible. and for 1t record
OF peace and achievement be substi
uuted the affirmative would receive
few votes; from the soldiers of the
Cos none That record OF achieve
ments is sacred. Yet II the question
whether such war should be re-
peated that we might have occasion
for further displays of yalor and win
ming of honors and glory should be
submitted, the affirmative would re
ceiye no larger vote than In the first
instance; and you who fought In the
SOS would be the last TO vote for such
a struggle, for such n cause.
We take up the subject OF interna