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necessity of the Crimean War; yet the pulpits resounded with the same military blare, bishops, priests, and deacons vying in loud approbation, and prophesying with single consent, 'Go up to Ramoth-Gilead, for the Lord shall deliver it into the king's hands.' The Nonconformist Churches and their congregations were seriously divided; the wealthier and more respectable among them followed the secular authorities, as is their wont. None of the Churches or their representatives would now think of defending the Crimean War, but they have learnt nothing from their error, least of all repentance: neither the teaching of history nor the spirit of religion has spoiled the free-hearted enthusiasm with which they have incited our soldiers to kill, and burn, and plunder in South Africa. Imperialist statesmen boast that this confederacy in bloodshed has annealed the colonies to the mother country: in similar fashion we may find the long-talked-of union of Christian Churches, not in any common acceptance of theology or in co-operation for charitable works, but in the common acceptance of a propaganda of bloody deeds in the name of civilization. To those who best understand the social and financial structure of the Churches and the capacity of self-deceit which self-interest is

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