Douglas Island news., 1917-10-12
OUTBREAKS
 ARE PATRIOTIC
United Inner Mission of Evangelical Lutheran Church Proclaims
 for Loyalty

The following under the heading | "A Message Co Our People" pro- claims hc loyalty of the Lutheran l church to America and her great cause for which she is now lighting !. In a manner Co some people surpris- !. Ing for Che reason that an erroneous impression that the Luthorans were mkc-wurm in patriotism has been given crcdencc to considerable ox- tent since Che outbreak of tho war. 1
 The urtlclo was furnished by Rev
 LL. Larsen, of the Lutheran church . hero, and is gladly given space in order that the attitude of that church may be clearly and unmis- takably defined:
 Dear Brethren In Christ:
 "The fact that we arc involved In a very serious war is brought homo to us with increasing force as time goes on. Not one Of us can entirely escape its influence. Many. especially the fathers, mothers, and wives of tho men already in our army or navy or about to be called into the service, arc begin ming to realize the cruelty of war with a sorrow SO deep that it puts their faith in God to severe test. It is easier for a man to be at the front than for his wife or mother Co know he is there. But above an other citizens. it bohoovos us, as Christians, to prove our faith in Che oyorruling Providence of God, by passing trough an the trials of this crisis in the spirit of horoism ever shown by the true followers of our Lord Jesus Christ Great trials bring great blessings, if they bring men to their knees before God in penitcnce and prayer Individually we share in the prosperity of our nation and in the general advance of the entire human race. but also in mans sclnshnCss and in his dis regard of tho laws of God and man. Here are Che real causes of this world-war. Let us, therefore, not await a call for a national prayer, but daily humble ourselves before God in ponitont applications for pardon, and for an early and abiding peace.
 In this national crisis let us will mgly render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars. Let us not shirk our responsibilities nor guiltily secl, personal advantage whereby the burdens of others are increased. In accordance with Gods word, let us give loyal support to an measures adopted by our government to cope with the present situation. Let us meet promptly an lawful demands on our service. property and life. Our conduct as citizens must be above suspicion and rcproach. We cannot be loyal to God and disloyal Co our government. for "the powers that be are ordained of God"
 At the same time we must "ren- der unto God the things that are Gods" We must be ven more faith Gods" We must be even more faith ul in the use of the Word of God and the sacramcnts. Then we shall rise above the heat of passion raised by national issues. We shall be eX amplos Of the sclf-control SO essen tlal to public order and welfare. We shall help to stem the tide of per verse thinking and acting. which threatens, in every war-torn couu- try. Co cast on all restraint, and Co overthrow the highest ideals of truth. justice and sympathy. Euro pean countries even now experience sad lowering of moral standards in the relations of men and women, of parents and children and of sub jects and governments. We, as Christian citizens, can render our nation the greatest service by walk luz as the children of light" and proving ourselves "thC salt '' the earth" and "the light of the world" Let us pray and labor without coas- ing that our nation and an others involved in this war may come out of it purified as by fire, i'm order that this terrible period of moral darkness may be followed by the dawn of new and better day in the history Of mankind.
 To "render unto God things that arc Gods" implies that no Chris tian should be tempted to reduce his contributions for the various causes of the Kingdom of God. When others have lost all their earthly l possessions in this war and many thousands of civilians have died of exposure and starvation. let us, with l gratitude to God. give freely of our abundance for the work of the church and for the relief of distress in our land and elsewhere.
 As congregation finally, we have l a special obligation to our brethren in the active syre lea ,tohdnet a-