Exorcizing Europe

Extract

The brilliant conclusion of the African campaign can compare with any of the major military victories of history. The Allies have a right to be proud of the achievement, and a duty to thank God for his all-planning providence. Events may in fact prove that Providence has so designed this to be the greatest step of the war towards ultimate victory and the beginning of peace. Even Peace News, which as a rule can be depended upon to adopt the gloomiest views, admits that this may be the beginning of the end of present hostilities. The Allied spirit has been greatly strengthened, and the Te Deum has been sung in many churches, and the gratitude to the Allied leaders and generals who have exorcized Africa so effectively also plays its part in this renewal of hope.

One might expect a certain slackening of effort with this realisation of success; the price of victory is so often presumption and false security. But there is little sign of such a relaxing, and all are anxious to press on to the goal. It therefore becomes increasingly urgent to recognize that the cleansing of Europe by force of arms can only be the prelude to a gradual process of spiritual cleansing if any sort of peace is to be won. This process of bringing health to a diseased continent will not be completed by the exorcism of fire and the sword, though the sooner that is done and the less wanton the present destruction, the sooner will the true exorcism be able to begin its work. To expect Europe to be righted at once is certainly foolish; that means that we should at once prepare ourselves for perseverance over a long period in trying to bring true peace.