Stk—The position of the Pacificist and the Archbishops' attitude there-
are perfectly defensible if two propositions be accepted; first, that live on differing levels of spiritual enlightenment; and second, that use and blesses the services of him who honestly follows what
t he has.
Charles Martel and Alfred believed themselves called to use the d against heathen or Moslem invaders; the invaders were routed, the victors, like Gideon under the older covenant, were hailed Heaven-sent deliverers. Yet in the same "dark ages "—from 400, to r000--there were many who eschewed the use of carnal pons; who as monks or hermits retired frnm the 'world and kept light of truth burning in solitude far better days, or as missionaries ed it unarmed into the camp of the wild Sigambrian or Goth. could the Archbishops acknowledge "vocation" in these, while Ying it to their modern counterpart the Quaker? Morally
the Pacificist is as much bound to refrain as the " Happy Warrior " is bound to fight. Each believes his own light to be the fuller; neither may judge the other, but to their own Master they alike stand or fall.
We have reason to be thankful for the recognition accorded to the rights of conscience by the National Parliament—though not always by the local Parliaments of county or city. There are other ways ;n which a man may serve his country than the way of arms.
One may refuse to fight either because one doubts the justice of a quarrel; or from belief that in the long run war brings more misery than it averts; or, in the case of a Christian, because one holds that Christ, by precept as well as by example, forbade His followers the use of the sword. All these are honourable motives, and demand respect. As for the taunt sometimes heard that the Pacificist pleads his conscience as a veil for his cowardice, it is enough to remark that a coward is of small use with rifle and bayonet, though he r ay do efficient service with plough and hoe. The Jewish law wisely dis- misses from the host the " fearful "—that is, those who fear to die. The Archbishops see that the Christian law is equally bound to exempt from military service those who fear to kill.—Yours faithfully,
Previous page
