1911 Peace Witness

I have heard many references to the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I. Supposedly that war was going to end all wars. We still don't seem to have learned that war does not cause peace. We can not seek peace through war. I find it very challenging to integrate God's love into every part of my life, not just when it's convenient, and to try to see everyone through God's eyes. Fortunately God is willing to help me along this path, even when I slowly drag along. Working for peace involves what I do with my time, what I wear, how I use my money, how I interact with others, where I live... I have only started on this path toward peace. I find it reassuring to know that many before me have chosen this path. Below is a statement from Alfred Neave Brayshaw, 1911, Young Adult Friends Conference in Swanwick, England : "Our testimony concerning war is not something that we can put in or leave out just as we like. It is a necessary outcome of our root belief. "Our testimony is not, in the first instance, against the outward act of war, but is a witness to that spirit which makes war impossible. Our testimony against war is worth nothing if we ourselves, in our own private relations with others are cherishing the same spirit which, on a large scale, leads to war between nations. "The Quaker testimony concerning war is based ultimately on the conception of 'that of God in every [one]' to which the Christian, in the presence of evil, is called on to make appeal, following out a line of thought and conduct which, involving suffering as it may do, is in the long run the most likely to reach to the inward witness and change the evil mind into the right mind. This result is not achieved by war. "May not we go away from this place strong for the work that lies before us to put away all things that keep back the work, and together build the Holy City. [May we follow] the way of perfect peace. The highest happiness is not known apart from the fellowship in the sufferings of Christ."