It has been whispered that the war has completely shattered the foundations of Christianity; but from close observation I am inclined to the opinion that it has exposed the instability and inadequacy of human creeds, and will eventually accomplish what the Churches have so lamentably failed to do.

The war is an indictment against divided Christendom.  If Christians the world over had been united in ‘the faith’ and ’of one mind in the Lord,’ this war would have been both impracticable and impossible.

Men on active service have grown indifferent not to Christ and His Church, but to human creeds and our brand of Christianity.  Both have been proved impotent during the progress of this war.

We have heard much about Christian union; no evidence of such is noticeable at the Front—­at least amongst the accredited representatives of the various religious organizations.  Emphasis is placed upon denominationalism, and more heart-burnings have been caused amongst the men in consequence of the divisions amongst the Churches than amongst the home folks at the fancied increasing irreverence and indifference of the men regarding the things that are esteemed sacred.  The men give evidence of being disposed to stand outside of all human creeds.  Their query is not ’Are you a member of a certain religious organization?’ but ’Are you a member of The Church?’ Their views of Christianity are as simple as they are scriptural.  The soldiers are beginning to realize that what matters most is not whether a man is a member of a certain Church, but is he a Christian? Just as the people of Russia have freed themselves of the yoke of autocratic government, so I predict that the most potent contribution towards bringing about Christian union will come not from the recognized leaders of the Churches, but from the soldiers on active service who have been impressed with the impotence of the existing system to bring about that condition which represents the ideal of Christianity, and the answer to our Lord’s prayer, ’that all may be one in Him.’

If the Allies were to strive for peace and the overthrow of evil in the same manner as the Churches are seeking the overthrow of evil and the effecting of Christian union, they might well give up the conflict.  Prolongation of the war and ultimate defeat could be the only issue.

Many have learned to know themselves better.  They have been made cognizant of their weaknesses and their strength—­what they are capable of and where they fall short.

Life at the Front affords unique opportunities for studying men.  One is brought into such close contact with them.  Every one is different, each having his own characteristics, his own eccentricities—­each a distinct and separate personality.  A man sees why this one succeeds and why that one fails—­he succeeds himself, and learns to have confidence.

Perhaps he fails and learns humility, and, maybe, because he has failed at one job he is given another, and he finds that he can ’make good.’  Few, if any, ever dreamed that they were capable of performing the tasks which are daily assumed by or assigned to them.