The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-10-04

iste hills. and all nations shall flow
unto II. and many people shall go and
say. Come we. and let us go to the
mountain Of Jehovah to the house of
God Of Jacob; and He will teach US
His ways. and We will walk In His
paths. for out or Zion shall so forth
tire law. and the word of Jehovah
from Jerusalem. And He will Judge
between the nations and will decide
cencesnsng many peoples: and they
SHALL beat their swords into piow-
shares and their spears into pruning
hooks: nation shall not lift up sword
AGAINST nation. neither shall they learn
war any more" lisa. 2:a-A.
Statesrianship can do something
through arbitration agreements and
peace societies to avert the horrors
of war. but only the worldwide spread
of the Christian gospel can really
abolish war forever. 1t Ia tho first
business of the church TO extend the
gospel throughout all lands and at
the same time work and pray to make
It dominant in our own civilization.
Vast Spiritual Ministry Needed.
2. There 10 a vast spiritual ministry
to be provided for the armies and the
nations now in conflict. This is first
of all ministry of prayer. which Is
the most powerful form OF work In
addition to this, workers and funds
in abundance will be needed to use
the opportunities Of personal spiritual
service that will be open. When
soldiers and nations are facing danger,
they are peculiarly open to serious i'm
pressions. Some of the wars of the
past generation have been used to
preach the gospel with compelling
power, and many thousands Of
soldiers and others have been led to a
vital faith in Christ. Such opportun-
tiles should be prayerfully sought, and
utilized to the utmost. Christianity in
Europe may be powerfully reinforced.
IL the church is alert and responsive.'
The church in America Is related so
closely to all of these nations that
we have the greatest opportunity for
helpfulness to all.
The war almost necessitates a great
evangelisic effort throughout the nom
Christian world. Whole nations are
in danger of misinterpreting Chris
tianity, and thus greatly retarding the
success of missionary effort But the
war may be turned to account for the
kingdom If the church will now send
out her announcements and her
representatives TO- ex PA ff4~ co 4 he lead
ers OF thought in all these nations
how Christian principles will ulti-
mately make war impossible. 1t is
also Of the greatest importance that
in the financial embarrassments Incl
dent to this war, the church see to 1t
that her missionary offerings are not
only maintained, but increased. This
mean that there must come new con-
secration OF money to missions on the
part OF vast numbers, for already
some large supporters Of the work
have had their resources cut off.
8. Another great peril lies within
our own land. There is terrible
peril OF greater greed for gain. a
coarser commercialism and more
crushing materialism taking posses
already full of suggestions OF possible
trade advantages to us. through the
war. This can be avered II the
church is aroused to capture our own
civilization for Christ that He may
be made king also In all the earth.
The evangelists on the streets OF New
York report an unusual spirit OF
earnestness in. their audiences. Shall
not this greatest war of the world be
made the occasion of the greatest re-
vival OF vital religion ever known, not
limited by any narrow national
boundaries, but including all the ma
tons now at war. and also the other
parts of the earth? More than ever
does This conflict thrust upon America
the religious leadership of the ma
tons. Is this not the very highest
privilege that could be given to any
nation? 1t gives the largest possible
scope to the ideal which President
Wilson presented some months ago
when he said: THE chief business of
the nation Is the service of mankind"