CHRISTIAN PATRIOTISM VERSUS WAR.
THERE is a general impression in this country that patriotism means a readiness at all times to fly to arms in defense of the flag. The popular teaching of patriotism to the children has too much of the drill for war. The association of the flag with gunpowder is far too common on all "patriotic" occasions for the inculcation of a love of peace in the hearts of the rising generation. Even the President of the republic believes in the cultivation of the war spirit for the development of patriotism, and our universities and many colleges and higher schools have more or less of militarism in their course of education. But it is a noticeable fact that the men who know most about war deprecate the war spirit and the resort to war. General Sherman concentrated discussion of the subject into three words, "War is hell;" and, as far as describing its process and influence goes, that is about all that need be said. General Miles, whose field experience covers every official rank in the army and every grade of foe, does not see the necessity of a special cultivation of the war spirit. He says: "I have had experience in wars, and I have never found Americans lacking in prompt patriotism or in fighting qualities in any worthy cause. But the people do not want war; they want peace." To this the Cleveland Press adds: "The sooner the war spirit is let die, the better for this or any other nation." It is a dangerous patriotism that is founded on the war spirit. One of the greatest defects of human nature is its belligerency, and this tendency must be overcome in the Spirit of the Prince of Peace before the great mission of "peace on earth" can be fully appreciated. If we desire to pose as a "Christian nation," it is time to be inculcating the idea that, as such, our contest is "not against flesh and blood" (Eph. 6:12), and that "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God" (2 Cor. 10:4). And if we are to march under the Captain of our salvation, we should be learning that His flag is a banner of love. Under this flag there is no respect of persons or of nations, but all are one in Christ. This is Christian patriotism. It means loyalty to Christ and His Word. "If ye love Me, keep My commandments" is the test set before us; and our dealings with our fellow-men of all classes—regardless of race, color, or previous condition—must be after the order of the Golden Rule.