The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1917-03-10

ton out OF all proportion TO their
real influence. Because they are a
small group, and highly organized.
they are therefore mobile, and quick
10 act Supported by huge endow-
ments. they have had the "sinews
OF war" for a campaign OF pacifsm
that has been really remarkable
demonstration Of efficiency.
Only the editors OF the religious
press fully know the extent OF this
literary propaganda. Even the con
gressmen have scarcely been de-
luged with a greater number Of
these prepaid kilograms OF plea and
protest. The secretarial and cler-
zeal stats in New York have
worked overtime in putting out this
canned sentiment.
There has been no counter dem
onstration. None OF the denomina-
tions-which alone can speak on
cislly for the churches--has taken
any action on the matter. apart
from early sentiments OF a gen
eral nature. desiring peace. ut
tered before the German-American
issue became acute. In the alb
sence OF any oficLal utterance 20
the contrary. the pacihsts have not
hesitated TO declare that theirs Ia
the position o. the churches.
How the Churches Stand.
over against all this frenzied &C
tivity and expression OF the pacifist
group has been the quiet assump-
tion OF many ministers. and other
strong men, that some things 20
without saying. and that nobody is
taking the pacihsts seriously
why should we declare our
steadfast loyalty 20 the govern
ment. or our historic position thai
there are some things worth hght-
ing for. some causes more sacred
than life?" these men have rea-
soned That should be taken fo-
granted. The men OF the churches
are not making much noise. but in
sober. thoughtful. resolute conyic-
tion that they are standing ready
for the old ideals for which Chris.
usnity and civilization have battled
turnout the ages"
Probably the sentiment Just quot
cd expresses the dominant thought
OF the churches Nevertheless. in
the past few weeks there have been
quiet conferences TO consider wheth.
ct the pacihst propaganda should
not be disowned by representatives
o. the churches. Not a few men
have seen IN II real dlsloyalty
They have been an insidious dispar-
agement OF America. Whether the
paciists realize the fact or not. they
arc pulling on the same rope with
the kaiser Their activities have
halted and confused the action OF
the government
A clear distinction is being drawn
between pacifsm and love OF peace
The pacifst would stop the war
now He would keep America out
OF IT, at all costs lie regards war
a. the worst OF all evils. And he
confuses absence OF armed strife
with real peace
On the other hand. the lover Of
peace who is not a pscinst regards
peace. not as a cause. but as an ef
feet Of certain great principles
Only when Righteousness and
peace have kissed each other" as
the ScrIptural ph<ase has II. can
there be real tranquility in human
society. This ideal puts justice and
righteousness and truth above
peace Tor their sakes nation NAV
&c to war. Indeed. failure to do so
might be a real betrayal OF the
cause OF ultimate and permanent
peace
One who travels widely notes the
prevalence Of American flags along
side the pulpits Of the churches and
In the Sunday schools The has
euiblems are being worn increas-
ingly Meetings OF a religious char
acter now frequently observe the
usage OF closing with America.
The patriotic note resounds espe-
cially In Christian Endeavor and Y.
NJ 4 A meetings,
No small part will be played by
religious organizations n national
conditions ripen into grimmest
oyentualities Never before in the