What Peace Means by Henry Van Dyke
page 13 of 26 (50%)
page 13 of 26 (50%)
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describe them. Childhood has been crucified, womanhood outraged,
civilization trampled in the dust. The nations and the men who took arms against these deviltries were the servants of the righteous God and the followers of the merciful Christ. He told us, "If any man smite thee on the right cheek, turn unto him the left also." But never did He tell us to abandon the bodies and the lives of our women and children to the outrage of beasts in human form. On the contrary, He said to His disciples, in His parting discourse, "He that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one." Does any silly pacifist say that means a spiritual sword? No. You could get that without selling your garment. It means a real sword,--as real as the purse and the scrip which Christ told His followers to carry with them. It means the power of arms dedicated to the service of righteousness without which the world can never be safe for peace. Here, then, we may stand on the Word of God, on the work of righteousness in making the world safe for peace. Let me tell you of my faith that every one who has given his life for that cause, has entered into eternal rest. II. Come we now to consider the second part of the text: "the effect of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever." What shall be the nature of the peace to be concluded after our victory in this righteous war? Here we have to oppose the demands of the bloodthirsty civilians. They ask that German towns should endure the same sufferings which have been |
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