THE NATIONAL CONSCIENCE AND THE WAR.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sru,—The statement in the Spectator of February 17th by my friend Dr. Mackennal, that he finds everywhere in the Free Churches "a painful conflict between patriotic feeling and moral judgment" in regard to the present war, is, as a general proposition so contrary to my own (I admit more limited) experience, that I hasten to raise a voice of eager protest against it. I believe that hosts of Free Church, as of other Englishmen, seeking to look at this question from the highest standpoint, are convinced that the cause in which we are engaged is a really great one, involving some of the best and noblest traditions of our race, and worthy of the intense efforts and wide sacrifices which it is entailing. I believe very large numbers share the conviction that no war of the last hundred years has been based on issues more clear or impera- tive. Were it otherwise the Free Church conscience and the Christian conscience of England generally is not so numbed by pseudo-patriotism that there would not have been a very audible chorus of disapproval instead of a few solitary voices of doubt. Again, I cannot agree that the language of the "clergy and the churches in England reveals the conscious- ness of a morally defective position." I have noticed the reticence in asking for definite victory of our arms which is referred to, but it seems to me to indicate a humbler Christian attitude than of old, which would not seek to dictate to God, but would leave the great issues to Him who sees with "larger other eyes than ours." This need not mean that the authors of the prayers are in the least doubtful of our duty. I share the common belief that national duty bids us pursue this terrible war at any cost to a successful conclu- sion, so great and far-reaching for the Empire, and therefore for the world at large, are the interests involved. But I am willing to sum up my prayers in the earnest and confident appeal, "May God defend the right."—I am, Sir, &c.,
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