AN ARMY OF “UNSAVED.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4963, 2 September 1918, Page 2

AN ARMY OF “UNSAVED.”

RELIGIOUS OBJECTOR’S PLEA AT WANGANUI.

REFUSES TO RE UNEQUALLY YOKED.

Two types of the • Religious Objector appeared before the Military Service Board, at Wanganui. One was of the ordinary standard, whose conscience would not allow him to bear arms, although lie was perfectly willing to work in the ambulance. The other variety objected to any sort of work under the military, because he would be thrown into the association of unsaved men. He could not see that in his present employment as an engineer at a freezing works he would be associated with men c-f this sort. He consid-

ered he was a free agent. Mr McLaren told him to “talk sense.” This appellant was Alfred Frederick Loveday. Tile appellant said he appealed on religious ground--.. Mr Cooper: What sect do’ you belong to? Appellant: No sect; just a Chris-

tian. Then I am afraid that you mustfail on those grounds. The Act says you must belong to some religious body or sect whose religious ’ principles object to the bearing of arms. Appellant: That is the law. 'Tinground I appeal on is that In- the Word of God, it is not right to bear arms at all. 1 obey the Word of God and not that of men. The chairman: There is no Divine authority for a man to bear arms? Appellant: Not for a Christian. Mr Cooper: What is a Christian? Appellant: A follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mr Cooper: Is a Jew a Christian? Appellaant: Not in the eyes of the world. Mr Cooper: "Well. we won’t discuss that. T must toll you that that ground fails. Have you any objection to non-combatant service? Appellant: No, if I could be a free agent. Mr Cooper: Would vou serve’ m the ambulance ? Appellant: I could not go under military authority. Mr Cooper: The ambulance would be under military authority. Why could not you ? Appellant: I believe from tno Word of God that it would bo wrong for me to do so. Mr McLaren: You would succour a man in distress would you ntn. t Appellant: l’es. Mr McLaren : Well then ? Appellant: But provisions are laid down—. Mr McLaren: Is there any single text in the Bible that says you should not- show mercy if under military authority ? Appellant: Not directlv. Mr McLaren: What is your authority then? Quote your text. Appellant: “Be ye not unequally yoked with unbelievers.” Mr McLaren: How you not so as an engineer ? Appellant: lam a free man. I could object. Mr McLean: Arc you not so as “unequally yoked” in the ambulance y Appellant: Because they would be unsaved men. Mr McLaren instanced the Biblical story of the Samaritan. “What was lie? According to the religion of that day he was an unbeliever. And yet he was held no as an example by your Master. The various ways of reading the Bible pass all understanding.” Appellant: It may seem so to you, sir. Mr McLaren: You have to use your common * sense. Show one text in which it is said that the exhibition of charity to those in distress is to be limited. Then I will give in.” Mr Cooper: Have you any other grounds for appeal? Appellant: No. The personal appeal was therefore dismissed, and the appeal by the employers was adjourned till next sittings. The next appellant was James Rowan, who sought an extension of time, and when the Board decided that till January next was time enough, he asked that be.be allocated to ambuance work, on religious grounds. “What, another?” said the Bench. “Is that not an afterthought?” “Oh, no! It is my appeal,” said Rowan. “It didn’t seem to worry you much then,” said the Bench. Do you know there is more danger in the ambulance work than in other branches?” “That does not trouble me,” replied the appellant, who repeated that it was because of his religious grounds that he could not bear arms. The Bench, however, did not seem to take the young man seriously. “You will soon buck up when you get in front of the Germans.”