It is the exact opposite of the Christian precept: "Let each esteem other better than himself." This, like some other Christian precepts, may never have been meant to express the whole truth, but only that side which men are naturally apt to neglect.

It was hardly necessary to insist that men should defend themselves against attack, maintain their rights, and keep their self-respect.

There are some crimes, too, which it required no special revelation to condemn; man revolts from them as _contra naturam_.

One of these crimes is refusal to aid their fellow-countrymen who are fighting against aggression.
With the spirit that claims to dominate in its "will to power," to override the eternal laws of justice, there can be no compromise.

Until that spirit is vanquished, the answer to the question, "Is it peace ?" must be, "What hast thou to do with peace, so long as thy brutal acts and thy tyrannies are so many ?" The order is given to smite.