Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 62, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 October 1920 — Page 6 Advertisements Column 1 [ADVERTISEMENT]

THE CHURCHES AND THE LEAGUE Senator Borah’s declaration that he would not vote for the league of nations “even if Jesus Christ asked him to do it” is in striding contrast to the hearty endorsement of the league by the great churches of the world. A total of 15,309 clergymen of various denominations has signed a petition, published in Christian Work, urging immediate ratification of the peace treaty, including the league of ■nations covenant without nullifying reservations. Only 816 of the clergy refused to sign* the appeal. Included among the signers are 4,019 Methodist pastors, 1,399 Congregational; 2,409 Presbyterian; 1,784 Baptists; 1,163 Christians, Disciples of Christ; 811 Episcopal; 644 Lutheran; 314 Catholic; 138 Universalist; 125 UnittHan, and 121 Jewish. The principles underlying the league have been endorsed by ten great religious organizations andconventions. Following are excerpts from resolutions adopted. THE NORTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION, MEETING AT BUFFALO, N. Y., JUNE 29-JULY 4,1920—“ Therefore, we, representatives of a rpiHion and a half of northern Baptists, in convention assembled, deeply deplore the failure of the ratification of the treaty of peace and covenant of the league of nations, thereby leaving the world In chaos, ignoring the plainly indicated desire . and will of the people and forfeiting our conceded leadersihp in world reconstruction.” We express our opinion that such great moral Issues should not be degraded to the plane of partisan politics, and respectfully urge upon our President and senate the ratification of the treaty with suitable reservations at the earliest moment. THE CONGREGATIONALISTS, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., OCT. 21, 1919—“ Resolved, that the council favors the ratification and adoption of the peace treaty and the covenant of the league of nations without apendments and with only such reservations as shall strengthen the moral influence of the United States. Ths council supports the covenant as the only political instrument available by which the spirit of Jesus Christ may find a wider scope in practical application to the affairs of nations.” EPISCOPALIANS, LAMBETH CONFERENCE, LONDON, JULY 5 TO AUGUST 7,1920 —“ We commend to all Christian people the principles which underlie the league of nations, the most promising and the most systematic attempt to advance the ideal of the family of nations which has ever been projected.” METHODIST EPISCOPAL, DES MOINES, IOWA, MAY, 1920— “Surely we must commit our church to the principles that international troubles shall be adjusted by counsel and arbitration, not by guns and slaughter of men, that the nations of the world shall be bound together by a covenant of peace; that however It shall be brought about, such compromise should be made between the President and senate as shall secure, a real effective league of nations in which the United States shall have a proper and honorable place among the nations of the world In preserving the peace and bearing the burdens of the world.” UNITED PRESBYTERIANS, HASTINGS, KAS., JUNE, 1920— “Resolved, (1) That this assembly, without undertaking to place responsibility for the failure of America to Indorse the league of nations and to adopt a treaty of peace with those nations with Which we were at war, heartily indorses the principle of the league of nations. (2) That at a time like this, when some are crying for a nationalism that wholly belies our high duty and obligation to all the nations of the earth, we call upon our people to remember that Christian ideals can only come Into world power by their outspoken, unceasing and uncompromising devotion to them.” PRESBYTERIANS, U. S. A., PHILADELPHIA, MAY, 1920— “Resolutions urge America's early entrance into the league in order that (1) the charge that the United States is failing to keep faith with the allies be disproved, (2) That the tendency now'manifest among the nations to abandon the high ideals embodied in the league of nations and return to the methods of force and selfishness be checked.” • • REFORMED CHURCH, READING, PA., MAY 19-23, 1920— “Resolved, that this synod express itself as favoring the speedy ratification of the treaty of peace and participation in' the league of nations, being thoroughly convinced that some form of International covenant which seeks to prevent war is a moral necessity.” CONFERENCE OF JEWISH RABBIS, DURING THE /TIME OF THE.PARIS CONFERENCE, 1919—“8e it resolved, that the executive officers of this conference formulate a cablegram to President Wilson at Paris, giving him assurance of our fullest support in the establishment of a league of nations and in his strivings to • bring about a Just peace for mankind.” / BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH —The board of foreign missions of the Methodist Episcopal church, charged with the responsibility of administering missionary enterprises among many races and peoples, desires to express the conviction that an early ratification of the peace treaty now pending, including a league of nations with such reservations as may be deemed necessary for a proper definition of our national obligations Involved, will greatly aid in restoring normal international refations upon a basis of law. The Issue is the League of Nations vs. Compulsory Military Training. Lay asidp partisan politics. Forget that you are Democrats, Republicans or Socialists oh the greatest of moral questions now before the world. ; Technical criticism of details may safely be satisfied by such amendment as experience may require. Holy Writ has been variously interpreted jby mankind for the past 2,000 yet its teachings underlie, dur present, civilisation. Our Constitution is differently construed by the ablest lawyers but its principlesremain the foundation of our liberty. » Think for yourselves, and your obligation to human- * ity. Consult Cod Almighty and your own conscience as to how to vote on the league of nations. The resolutions of the various churches are a safe guide and point the way. ‘ *

prepared and PAID ADVERTISEMENT. :