ARMAMENTS AND WAR.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 285, 30 October 1934, Page 6

ARMAMENTS AND WAR.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—l must thank you for such a full report of the sermon by Rev John Hubbard, and as I was not there 1 rely upon the accuracy of the report. At the very commencement of Ins discourse he showed bias against the Old Testament writings. He may be a modernist or he may have taken this opportunity of attacking those who believe the writings of the prophets to be the Word of God, and who believe the last great battle has yet to bo fought. Let my readers turn to Ezekiel, chap. 38 and 39, and especially read Zechariah, chapter 12, also Revelation, chap. 12 from verse 12. I am not a theologian, but I believe the Word of God. War is not condemned, unless it is aggressive war. The O.T. in Numbers, chap. 1, verse 3, reads that every man of 20 years and upwards who was able, to go to war was numbered. Exodus 21, verse 13, reads: “If a man lie not iii wait and God deliver him into His hand—-I will appoint a place wliitlier he shall flee”; verse 14, “and if a man come presumptuously upon liis neighbour to slay him with guile, thou slialt take him from My altar, that he may die.” Some people have short memories. Did not a person exhibit free pictures in this country shortly before the War, showing and explaining how Germany had destroyed her city fortifications and made beautiful gardens. No more war; they loved everybody. Did not the Kaiser visit England to show his friendship, accompanied by his secretary, an expert in war? Did not German professors visit England and declare eternal friendship? “No more war.” Did not Germans by the hundred visit England to promote friendship? “No more war.” Did not the late Lord Roberts for years plead with the Government to spend some £9,000,000 to put the country into a state of defence, but the friendly attitude of other countries blinded the eyes of the Government and this blunder cost England thousands of millions and the loss of hundreds of thousands of brave young lives. I knew a young man who, rather than attend drill, would pay fine after fine, believing in no more war, but when war was declared, resigned a permanent position and got away with the Main Body to Egypt. After going through Gallipoli he was killed in action in France. I believe our duty is to show we will repel any attempt of the enemy, whoever he may be. The League of Nations is a miserable failure, a combination of over 60 nations of different languages and religions and of no religion at all—some the enemy of any God-fearing people. The real League of Nations is a league of the British Empire and the U.S.A., who have one language, one religion, and who would honour any agreement amongst themselves and are strong enough to keep our enemies at arm’s length. The rev. gentleman says nowhere in the New Testament was there any incitement of war. Aggressive war is condemned, but read Matt. 12, v. 29, “How can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man and then he will spoil his goods. In Luke 22, v. 36, we read: Jesus said, “He that hath no sword, let him’sell his garment and buy one ” In Matt 22, verse 21, Jesus saul, “Render unto Caesar the things which belong to Caesar, and unto God the things that are God’s.” In Mark, chap. 13, verse 7, Jesus says, And when ye hear of wars and rumours or Avars, be ye not troubled, for must be, but the end is not _ yet. Much more could be said to justify those avlio seek to protect our country. I have had my. say, perhaps some other person may ivant to say something.—l am,