REV. F. DENISON MAURICE.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15369, 28 August 1915, Page 9

REV. F. DENISON MAURICE.

[Sermon on the Funeral of the Duke of Wellington, 1852.1

"I trust and believe that if ever our countrymen are called upon to defend their own hearths and homes, they will not be taught by the prcacherß of the land that they may do so because self-preservation is an instinct which justifies almost any acts. So poor and miserable a doctrine, snch a mere apology for resistance, never yet inspired any hearts or nerved any arms. "I trust God will enablo us to speak a truer language, more m accordance with His word; to say boldly that this is a duty to which God Himself is calling them, which His Spirit will enable them to perform, which it is a sin against Him to neglect; that not self-preservation, but self-sacrifice, is their work and privilege. For that work let them be animated and prepared by prayers, benedictions, sacraments. And though we are not permitted to hold out the hopes to men with which priests in the Middle Ages encouraged those who were going to holy wars, that their sin shall bo remitted, and that they shall obtain Awns of glory; though all such arguments would be weak, because they would be dishonest; we may say confidently that if any men who have been leading a grovelling, self-seeking life, caring nothing for their fellow-men or for. God, are moved to become grave and devoted citizens, that is the beginning of a conversion, that :a better and more healthful obedience to the voice of the Divine Spirit, than any self-inflicted penances or tortures could possibly bo."