A Sterner Brotherhood

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 172, 17 April 1937, Page 1 (Supplement)

A Sterner Brotherhood

“Brotherhood dan be realised only when society is recognised as a divine institution,” writes the Rev. H. L. Lonsdale, M.A.. 8.D., in his book, “Trinity to Advent.”

“Too often we interpret brotherhood as a passive willingness to allow everyone to do as he pleases. We think we are showing our kindness (in reality it is cowardice) by not interfering with their wills or their whims. We allow each one to be a law unto himself. But brotherhood cannot exist in such a nerveless state of society.

“Right and privileges are involved in brotherhood, but not without corresponding duties and obligations. Brotherhood consists not simply in certain relations, such as truth, justice, order; but in the carrying of them out, in the faithful execution of these relations. Brotherhood which is strong will therefore sometimes seem . stern and even cruel.

“It may involve punishment, discipline, correction. It may mean the instant use of the-strong arm of I.aw to compel obedience on the part of some that the whole brotherhood be not destroyed. Surgery is often the highest form of mercy. The faithful execution of law is often the greatest kindness. Take it in life, the weak man may be lovable, but he generally fails to win respect; the strong man may fail to win love, but he commands respect. I lay emphasis on this side of brotherhood because we are in danger of losing sight of the need of strength.”