Article September 19, 1914 Issue

From Our Exchanges

with contributions from J. M. Lloyd Thomas

[The Universalist Leader]

We thought we were in the midst of Christian civilization. Everywhere were peace societies; international amity companioned with religious fellowship. The rulers of the earth joined in calling congresses which had for their ultimate purpose the disarmament of the nations. It had almost seemed that there could never again be a great war, certainly not among the so-called civilized peoples. The kingdom of heaven was well on the way, if not already here. In the refinements of culture, in the enrichments of affections, the broadening of the spirit of brotherhood, verily the vision of our Lord was near its realization. When lo, as out of a clear sky, flamed the worst war, in its possibilities, that human history has ever known.

All the years of training in nobler and better things, all the generations of culture in religious development, all the ideals of a race in one short moment are cast wrecked to the earth, and humanity reverts to type and is again the brutal savage with his club. And as they spring to the contest, we discover that while these rulers of the earth have been talking ideals and dreaming dreams, they have been sharpening their swords and charging their guns, and equipped as no body of fighters ever were equipped before, they plunge into the vortex of battle, and the moon is darkened and the sun has hidden its light. Yet who shall say there is no saving remnant? Out of all the refining influences of the centuries there have come forth some pure souls, who have become native to the higher realms of living. The many may still hear the call of the wild, but there are the few, the new Christs of the new time, who though they go to their Calvary and are lifted upon their cross, will yet draw the world unto them.

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