PACIFISTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22256, 2 November 1935, Page 17

PACIFISTS

Sir,—lf your correspondent, " Mr. Alexander Hodge," reads my letter again he will note that I said W.M." had put up a good case for self-defence in the event of an unprovoked attack, which is totally different from one of a selfish and aggressive one. The resolution of loyalty to tho Throne Avas nullified by the one that encouraged the Baptists to refuse to take up arms in self-defence. If this is not disloyalty to tho Throne, then I do not understand the term. I am as much against war as a settlement of international disputes as anyone, but from a long and careful study of the Scriptures I learn and am warned to expect wars, as long as the present order of human government exists, and that no efforts on the part of men or nations will prevent them. God has a set plan for the ultimate reign of universal peace, and unfortunately wars are a means to this end. This being so, can they be against the "will of God and the spirit and teachings of Christ," as Mr. Hodge would have us believe? He savs he has studied the passages of Scripture a . hundred times, yet he has failed to see and understand that the Sermon on the Mount, and the Crucifixion, have utterly failed to prevent wars and rumours of wars as predicted by Christ. No, so long as men's hearts are full of selfishness and jealousy, so long will wars continue. C. E. Knight.