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2.

up to the war I fancy there is very little difference of opinion
on the necessity of winning that war. Now that we are in it we have
to see it through. The issues have clarified themselves into some-
thing very simple which anyone can understand. We and our Allies
are fighting to maintain decency and order in the world. No one has
put it better than Mr. Churchill when he described the present rulers
of Germany as gangsters who are trying to shoot their way out with
their loot through the "G" men of civilisation. If we were defeated
it would mean the loss in public life of all that we hold dear. But
we are not going to be defeated.

To win we must have the determin-
ation to win. We must have courage, and we must have hope. We must
keep a stout heart. That applies not only to our armed forces, but
to every man, woman and child in this Dominion. In old days war
was a contest of armies and navies. To-day it is a contest of
peoples. In the last war it was the breakdown of Germany's national
morale which led to her defeat. In this war it is the maintenance
of our national morale, our civilian morale which will bring us victory.

So this afternoon I want to offer you a few reflections which should conduce,
I think, to stoutness of heart and cheerfulness of spirit.
We have to face great difficulties, but we have also great assets.
We are living in a confused and tragic world, but from that very con-
fusion and tragedy we may win certain shining benefits. Among old-
fashioned people in Scotland I have often heard the advice given
that when things look dark it is a good plan to "count your mercies".
So I venture to offer for your consideration, and in order to cheer
ourselves up, a few mercies which I think we can count.