There have always been poUticians who, on the eve
of catastrophe, preached this agreeable doctrine of
peace, and denounced as pessimistic and unpatriotic
those who ventured to take a graver view of the situa-
tion. Gibbon tells how — in Imperial Rome — ^while the
Gauls were thundering at her gates. Votes of Thanks
were passed to her favourite generals, and medals
struck in commemoration of imaginary victories.
We ourselves know what it is gaily to fling down
the gage of battle, never dreaming that it will be
lifted, and to find ourselves ere we are aware in the
heart of a mortal agony.
(6) It is an inconsistent age.
Verse i6. Stand in the way, and ask ye
For the ancient paths.
Where is the good way, that ye may find
Refreshment for your souls ?
Verse 17. I have set watchmen over you.
Saying, Hearken ye,
But ye said. We will not hearken
To the sound of the trumpet.
Living upon their past, they had broken with all
that was essential in it. They scorned as antiquated
the good old simple ways, trodden by patriots and
saints, and aspired to retain the protection of
Jahveh while they invoked the patronage of heathen
gods. Only the exile which scattered them among
the nations, convinced them that it is vain to pour new
wine into old bottles, and hope to preserve either. It
lies near one's heart to point out how impossible it is
for ourselves to discredit the Puritan Faith which made
England an Imperial power, and hope to retain the
Imperial ideals, so justly held in honour to-day.
