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13.

VI.

I cannot leave you without one final reflection. The
struggle today is not only between law and naked force, not only
between civilisation and savagery. Our enemies are attacking more
than the system of Christian morals on which our civilisation is
founded. They are attacking Christianity itself, and they are suc-
ceeding. Thirty years ago Europe was nominally a Christian continent.
It is no longer so today. In Europe, as in the days before the
Emperor Constantine, Christianity is in a minority. It is no mere
phrase of rhetoric to say that we are witnessing a conflict of Christ
and anti-Christ
.
We who are nominally Christians have in recent years been
growing very cold in our faith. Our great achievements in perfecting
the scientific apparatus of life have tended to produce a mood of
self-confidence and pride. We have too often become gross materialists
in our outlook on life. I believe that the challenge with which
we are faced may restore to us that manly humility in the presence
of the Unseen which alone gives power. It may bring us back to God.
In that case our victory is assured. The Church of Christ is an
anvil which has worn out many hammers. Our opponents may boast of
their strength, but they do not realise what they have challenged.
In Browning's words-

"0nly they see not God, I know,
Nor all that chivalry of His."

Let us remember that in this fight we are God's chivalry. Our
King has, as one of his titles Defender of the Faith. Today all