Methodist Pastor Organizes Boys' Brigade for Military Drill
As a sign of the times, we note this item in the Kansas City World, which prints it under the heading, “Will Learn How to Kill:” — “Rev. H. A. King, pastor of the Oakley Methodist Episcopal church, has organized thirty youth of his congregation into a ‘boys’ brigade.’ The youngsters are to be provided with guns and other weapons of civilization, and taught how to shoot their fellow men. J. L. Housekeeper, an ex-sergeant in a company of the Fifth Missouri Regiment, will be drill master. The child-soldiers will go into camp later on. Rev. Mr. King has appointed himself commander-in-chief.” The distinction between Christian warfare and carnal warfare seems to be fast fading out of the orthodox conception. The “Church militant” is training its forces to win the victory not by the blood of Christ, but by the blood of their enemies; not by conquering themselves, but by conquering the forces of the world with sword and gun. But, says the apostle, “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4.