Not the Gospel of Peace.
By Editor
The Western Watchman (Roman Catholic) pleads for "universal military service." It declares that a "general European war [is] imminent," and that "we shall most certainly be drawn into it." Americans, we are told, lack "proper training." The remedy, barring the church, is the army. "A soldier is taught obedience from the time he takes the oath of enlistment. Every act and movement of his is regulated, and for any breach of discipline he is punished on the spot. His hand is ever ready to salute. Speaking to a superior officer, he always stands at attention. He never speaks to a superior officer first, and then his language must be civil and respectful. The drill received in the army makes a lasting impression on the young man, and not only in his walk and bearing, but in word and general deportment he shows the signs of his military training." And this is Rome's method. Her whole system is saturated through and through with the military idea. The cardinal is originally a military officer. The discipline of the church is repressive, military discipline, which is not wholly effective in free America. Hence the desire to train a whole people to "obey" "superiors." What men need more than anything else is a sense of their responsibility to God regardless of men; and he that loves and respects God, loves and respects his fellows also. This cry for the military is not the Gospel of peace.