The Sins of Man

[thesmellypocket 1859]

Father Humbert, O.S.J., having been working recently on a theory concerning Just War, takes the time to pen a formal letter, addressed to both sides:

 

’Gentlemen, 

 

I only very rarely write or speak of politics. I do not consider it my place, Slave of God that I am. But recent experience must tell me to write, and not to remain silent, for whatever dishonour peace may incur, it is as nothing compared to the terror and horror of war. For war of necessity kills innocents; I hear Lorranians speak of ‘sinful infidels.’ Yet your brazen behaviour surely strikes God as sinful, for does not war consume the innocent as well as the evil? To seek war not as a last result, but to murderously pursue it without any attempt at a peaceful solution, surely makes men dogs, and sons of Krug, not of Horen. For how shall we be jusitifed in our covenant if we behave with the same aloofness and impiety – nay, worse – than other races?

 

No matter how noble and honourable a commander conducts it, we must see that war, of necessity: 

 

Prevents the Flourishing of the Sciences, 

Begets Brutalities and Evils,

Makes Beasts of all Men,

Corrupts the Just,

Consumes the Innocent in Wretched Famine,

Slaughters the Brave,

Shuts out the Poor,

Abuses the Weak,

Desolates the Town,

Wrecks Nations,

Divides Mankind,

And Gives Licence to the Wicked.

 

Therefore, I humbly entreat you to consider peace first, instead of war. Or at least, that you no longer cloak your iniquitous robbery in the cloak of piety and in the words of God, who begat the Qalasheen just as he begat the Lorranian; as brothers in Horen all. I, the Slave of God, who has no possession or interest of my own, but God, who is my master, and yours’, humbly beg you, and beseech you, from the very bottom of my heart, to reconsider your actions. 

 

Your Slave in God,

 

Father Humbert, O.S.J.’

 

He then pens a second note:

 

’For the Lorranian motto under the great Augustus was thus: ‘Gold in peace; Steel in War.’ How much greater gold, than steel!’