Editorial November 11, 1944 Issue

Preserve the Peace!

John Randall Dunn

When the Christian calendar points to the eleventh of November, what memories are stirred with those who passed through the troublous days of the first World War! The news of the signing of an armistice in 1918 was received with a jubilation bordering on hysteria by war-weary peoples the world over. Had the exultant crowds realized that what they were celebrating was not the coming of genuine peace, but an armistice, which the dictionary describes as "a temporary suspension of hostilities," without doubt their elation would have been tempered noticeably.

Now with the end of the most brutal conflict in recorded history in sight, what a glorious but stupendous task faces the right, Christian thinker! It is happy news that many churchmen have avowed their intention of opening the doors of their churches on "Victory Day," for certainly the sober-minded citizen will feel more like praying than indulging in emotional hilarity at the coming of the next armistice. Resolved he should be that this must not be just another cessation of hostilities. What Christian cannot subscribe heartily to these words of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 286): "For many years I have prayed daily that there be no more war, no more barbarous slaughtering of our fellow-beings; prayed that all the peoples on earth and the islands of the sea have one God, one Mind; love God supremely, and love their neighbor as themselves. National disagreements can be, and should be, arbitrated wisely, fairly; and fully settled." Then, with far-seeing wisdom, Mrs. Eddy glimpsed the necessity of a worldwide guarding of the peace, when she added, "It is unquestionable, however, that at this hour the armament of navies is necessary, for the purpose of preventing war and preserving peace among nations."

The formation of an organization to suppress international lawlessness should therefore have the wholehearted support of everyone who names the name of Christian Science. What a world citizen was the great Leader of the Christian Science movement! Witness the breadth of her vision in these memorable lines, which were penned forty-six years ago (Poems by Mrs. Eddy, p. 11):

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