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Show H MINISTERS AND THE WAR. B There has been some discussion as to whether min- B isters should be drafted for the army or not. However, B the theological schools are said already to be much de- H pleted on account of the many students who have either B enlisted or have entered army Y. M. C. A. work. B One great difficulty encountered by ministers in their M ordinary work is in getting close to men. They often H complain that if they approach a group of men who are H talking and laughing, all this fun stops. This may not M be because the men were saying anything they did not M want the ministers to hear. But there should necessari- H y be a certain seriousness and spirituality in the glergy- M man's character that does repel a good many men who m do not take life seriously. The way for ministers to dissipate that feeling, in so BH far as it can be done away, is to mingle with men all they BB can. The war really gives them a great opportunity. The M young theologue who enlists, or who goes into Y. M. C. A. BB camp work, will have a great experience. He will for-M for-M ever afterward be able to meet men on the common plane, M lie will have a richer experience, will come closer to the H struggles of the human heart, and all this will add vitality B and color to his preaching. H If there is a shortage of ministers owing to the war, BBj the churches could combine or arrange to have one man m fill two pulpits. H ... lt. niav of coi'se be said that a man who has spent his BBj life in spiritual and intellectual study and mediation, BBL could not be expected to make as good a fighter as others. BB Yet the war records show many fighting parsons. They H woul o a lot of good in the army by keeping up the hope BBJ and spirits of the men, and would be a great asset in any BBJ force. It would hardly seem as if they should be exempted, IT? s".ch ?? f eelih,e,selves thoroughly unfit and should M ask for it. Few of them would do that. |