TRAINING THE YOUTH IN THE ART OF WAR.
By W. N. G.
The final resort of the civil power is military force, an appeal to carnal weapons, for the enforcement of its decrees. Hence, in these days when the church is appealing to the civil government for aid in the support of its institutions, it is not surprising to find a growing disposition to drill the youth and children in the military art. When we hear leading churches talk confidently of an approaching universal peace among the nations, and hear them loudly proclaiming a “gospel of peace,” we are constrained to ask, What meaneth the organization of these Boys’ Brigades, Cadets of Temperance, and military schools for boys under denominational auspices? It would seem that, after all, the dependence of this “Christian nation” for the furtherance of its peculiar style of Christianity is in the arm of man. On this subject Rev. H. H. Hinman contributes an article to the Cynosure, of Chicago, from which we cull a few points:— “The papers inform us that the School Board of Chicago has voted to introduce military drill into the public schools of that city. This is what might be expected since the introduction of Boys’ Brigades into the churches, and it is an example likely to be followed in other large cities. Nevertheless, it is greatly to be deplored, as indicating a sad decline in civic and Christian morality. It is one of the signs of the times, and signifies that an essential part of the education of each boy shall be instruction in the art of deceiving, overcoming, and killing his fellow-men. It means a lessening of value of human life, and the deprivation of public and private morals, such as always accompanies and results from militarism. It means that the military profession (which is none other than the profession of robbery and murder) shall be put on a par with the learned and peaceful callings of the law, medicine, and the ministry.” “I do not mean to prophesy that all these evils will result from the introduction of military drill in the public schools, but that the tendencies are all in the direction I have indicated, and if we are spared so great a calamity, it will be because of providential intervention. One thing is certain, that we can not expect the protection of the Prince of Peace so long as we foster the spirit of war.” When Peter essayed to defend the cause of Christ with a sword, the Master said, “Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” Matt. 26:52. The apostle Paul also gives us the true principle of Christian warfare: “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” 2 Cor. 10:4. Again he tells us very explicitly what is the only and sure defense to which the Christian may resort: “Take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Eph. 6:13-18. Then would it not be better for all Christians, both old and young, to be drilled in the use of the armor which God has specially prescribed for their continual use, than to spend time with the carnal weapons which he has positively forbidden, and with which those who use them are to perish?