Abilene weekly reflector., 1917-05-31

ana tne comment WHICH tucy nav
occasioned about town lead me t.
offer for publication this statement
in explanation, at least, II not II
defense
II is a matter OF record that thu
pietistic types of Christians through
out the Christian era have refused
10 bear arms. America has proved
refuge for those suffering from
religious oppression in other lands
The best traditions Of the United
| States have always shown regard
for the religious conscience, upon
the theory that concessions thus
made are fully compensated in other
ways and that persons honestly de-
string such exemption are, notwith-
standing, valuable citizens.
The charter of the Brethren in
Christ church on file at Washing
ton guarantees military exemption.
The army bill just passed by con-
eress rehearses in substance, the
exemption clause. The formal action
taken at Bethel is designed to sim
plify the process OF claiming such
exemption. But the debate on this
and related subjects covered many
additional aspects. Also comments
heard on the grounds would indi-
cate wide range OF opinion as to
the scope and application of this
doctrine of non-resistance.
On the one hand were those hold
ing the extreme view that any par
by vote or act in the |
. fairs of human government Is in
OF the teaching and pre-
cedent set by Christ and his apos- |
ties. Also that any sort of service
rendered the government even in
The times of war to the extent of .
"a Dor in munitions factories, chap
aincies, the purposed enlargement
If grain acreage at the behest of
he government, would be deemed
IN act in violation of Christian 10y
llty.
Happily this opinion was that of
very conscientious" minority.
The prevailing sentiment, judging
rom the addresses made on the
loor and in remarks heard in dis
ttgu hot
eemed clearly adverse, many hold
ne that participation in the af
airs of the state is inimical to cor
ect Christian standards.
These arguments were heard:
Autocracy prevailed in st. Paurs
lay. He counseled loyalty to the ex-
sting government. The apocalyptic
writings of st. John indicate a half
hostility to governments,
lue doubtless to the oppression
leaped upon Christians after st.
'aul's time. Jesus was not engaged
n the reconstruction of the state,
'et democracy is the inevitable re
ult of the principles he taught.
christians are remiss in refusing or !.
wen neglecting to vote on moral
ssues. And what political issues
'aving to do with the well-being Of
nan, or even OF beast, are not
moral? He prays best who prays
With one hand" while he works and
'otes with the other Refusal to
,ear arms to take human life is not
Inconsistent with the faithful per-
ormance OF all other service re-
Iuired by the state To rush with
'nseemly haste TO the exemption
ffice may be only most reprehen-
ible form of cowardice. Young
nen who consider themselves
lucky" because they belong to
on-resistant church are unworthy
( the exemption. In some ways it
equires more moral courage to
lain exemption and bear the taunts
I public sentiment than to fall in
D line, run with the crowd, and
Mist. If It is wrong to take life. in
ersely it is right to save life and
estore health Therefore the hos /
ital corps, Red Cross work, chap !
'incies, afford "non-resistent" peo-
lie an admirable opportunity to I
rove that their conscientious scru- I
les are not a mere pretext to avoid
distasteful task on the firing line.
onscientions people will do well to
o into a rigid introspection and
ee if they are more anxious for