While war is arbiter—but must it be
Forever arbiter? Will not the day
Of lasting peace dawn ever? Will not ye,
Ye Christian nations, raise your voice, and stay
The march of war throughout the universe;
And rid you of its agony and curse?
XXXVIII.
It lies not in your pow'r to order those,
The nations still uncivilized, to cease
From war, and, if they make themselves your foes,
Ye must resist; yet can ye order peace
Among yourselves. And, sure, ye Christian lands
Would wash the blood of war from off your hands!
XXXIX.
Slow, slow, the march of Christianity,
Yet sure—more sure because its march is slow;
And settled now in peace and amity
Are issues which, but fifty years ago,
Had been the cause of bloodshed and of strife,
And cost each country many a noble life.
Then let the infidel or atheist,
Or him who doubts if ever God can be,
And questions the existence of a Christ,
Mark well the fruits of Christianity,
And say what other power has ever wrought
The good that Christianity has brought
XLI.
No myth or vain delusion can achieve
What love of Christ has done; no mockery
Can bring the troubled comfort, or relieve
The broken heart; nor can idolatry
Inspire our hearts with love and charity:
These follow only Christianity.