In a speech before the Unitarian Club of San Francisco, General MacArthur is reported to have said that “war is the implement placed in the hands of man to further civilization. It will continue indefinitely, as the means by which nations and men will carry forward their higher ideas.” If the introduction of the liquor traffic and kindred evils among aboriginal and semi-civilized peoples is to be reckoned as furthering civilization, the general is right. It will continue for a while, of course, to carry out some men’s “higher ideas.” But the very highest ideal yet presented before men is the Gospel of the kingdom of God, and it is an ideal of peace and good-will. The “soldiers” of Christ, who have a world-wide mission, are sent forth to preach the Gospel to every nation and kindred and tongue and people. These “soldiers of Christ” carry a message that is the greatest civilizing power this world ever has known, yet they are not to use “carnal weapons” in their “warfare.” They are, however, to be equipped with the “whole armor of God.” This includes a girdle of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; all of which are to be used with a spirit of prayer and perseverance. Yes, men use war to “carry forward their higher ideas;” but it is not Christ’s idea of furthering civilization. The civilization that will fit men for the kingdom of God is inculcated through the Word of truth. It is a work of love. “The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.” This is the true principle of civilization. The annihilation of the American Indians is an illustration of war as an implement of civilization.