Evening Republican, Volume 59, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 May 1917 — Rev. Asa McDaniel Gives Account of Interesting Meeting [ARTICLE]

Rev. Asa McDaniel Gives Account of Interesting Meeting

We think war, we talk war, and as our thought messages leap into trackless space, millions of minds are atoned to the thought of war, and Hie world is mod,’ but we are Christians as well as citizens, and upon us. therefore, rests a double responsibility. We owe it to our country®© maintain liberty and democracy and we owe a supreme loyalty to our divine Lord, who gave himself to redeem every man and every nation. .... As citizens of a peace-loving nation we abhor war. We have long striven to secure the judicial settlement of all international disputes. But in spite of every effort war- has come and we are called upon to safeguard the right of all the peoples, great and small alike, to live their life in freedom amid peace. Our government in pursuance of this high and just cause is mobilizing every force toward 1 the accomplishment of this end. In harmony with the will off the government the governor of the state called the churches, through their ministfers, in conference. At the conference the (governor and others of note spoke. If was a great meeting, men and women from all over the state (being prsent. It was a meeting full off promise for-the safety of the boys on the field of battle as well as those in training for such service. Out of this meeting came some definite lines of work that we as churches can do while the world is at war.

First, we are to recognize the Y. M. CL A. as the channel through ■which we may best serve the 'boys in training amri on the battle field. This organization comes in direct contact with the soldiers and will through its secretaries be able to best carry out our wills. Second, we are to urge upon our ■people the necessity off fortifying the men who are called to their colors before they leave home, by a definite commitment to the high ideals of tlie Christ of God. It was the opinion of the men most thoroughly qualified to speak that nothing would take the place of this equipment. Third, we are to be most diligent in works of relief and mercy, not forgetting those ministries to the spirit, to which, we as Christians are especially committed. This ministry is to be extended, to those who are to remain at 'home as well as those who are in the trenches. Fourth, we are to steady and inspire the nation, to remain true to the high aims of justice, liberty and brotherhood. To ibe vigilant against every attempt to arouse the spirit of vengeance and unjust suspicion. Fifth, we are to keep alive the spirit off prayer, that in these times of strain and 1 sorrow, men may be sustained by the consciousness of the presence and power off God. And to call men everywhere to new obedience to the will off our Father God, and his son, Jesus Christ.