It is generally thought that Christianity includes and sanctions patriotism. Patriotism as distinguished from philanthropy patriotism as understood by the world under that term. Now, it is not enough to say that there is no mention made of it in the New Testament, and that the apostles cannot be cited as examples of it; I go still further, and say, it is positively at variance with christian principle, that its exercise contravenes the universal law of love, and it is a weakness and a prejudice, a puerility and a result of ignorance. Of course a Christian loves his family, his fellow-townsmen, and his countrymen; but then he loves other peoples, of whatever hue or language, —all men without exception. The only difference in his love is, that for the good, the godlike, he bears a love of complacency, while towards the enemies of the Lord he cherishes the most pitiful, yearning, affectionate benevolence. But as for geographical or ethical restrictions or distinctions in his love, he owns and knows no such thing: the very idea is absurd. His love, like God’s, embraces the entire race, and is bounded only by humanity. To love Englishmen, therefore, more than Frenchmen simply because of a different genealogy and speaking a different tongue, or to wish well to England at the expense or to the prejudice of France, or even to wish well to the former, and to have no such feelings towards the latter, is a state of mind inconsistent with the mind that was in Christ, with that world-wide philanthropy which is the very breath and spirit of Christianity. Patriotism, as usually understood, means, "My nation at the top, and all the other nations at the tail." "My nation always victorious, others flee before it." Patriotism therefore ignores justice and equity, the right and the proper; for no matter how righteous the cause of the French may be, it teaches us to wish they may be worsted in the field, or driven out of the market, or disappointed in their objects. No matter how unjust, or mercenary, or inhuman British policy may be, it teaches us to wish it may be successful, whether in diplomacy or in war. Whereas Christian feeling teaches us to desire the prevalence of justice, although the heavens should fall in pieces; to love man because he is a man, no matter what his nation, and to behold in every one a purchase of the Redeemer’s death. Christianity thus expands patriotism into philanthropy, and places on a real and permanent foundation the love which binds man to his neighbour, and busies itself in promoting others’ benefit. What place patriotism can, as usually understood, find in Christianity, when all are to be "loved as ourselves," and when the only difference authorised is between the children of God and his enemies, I know not; but this I know, that neither the virgin Church furnished any exemplification, nor the authoritative documents of Christianity any precept of this so-called virtue. To acknowledge our un-patriotism, however, would involve us in great shame with the world, and to be consistent in this matter would carry us far in imitation of the Friends, and segregate us from worldly fellowship, to an extent which few are prepared to endure. But if Christianity be real, and worth any thing, it is worth being thorough in, and if thoroughness in it makes us "hated of all men" for Christ’s sake, it is only a fulfilment of the Master’s word; I, for one, say, "all hail reproach, and welcome shame" for Christ. The popularity of modern Christianity, and the ease with which it is professed, is its surest condemnation. The religion of Christ involves pecuniary loss, social degradation, and personal dislike; and until light and darkness be reconciled, Christianity and the world must remain in open antagonism, immeasurably condemning one another.

J.J.

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