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p.
Government has nothing to do with a man's private belief, nor has it the power to require him to commit a personal wrong; but in making war, leving troops and imposing taxes, it exercises its legitimate power, and for its misuse must be alone held responsible. Governments, though liable to do wrong, must be supported, otherwise there will be no government and anarchy succeed. There is, therefore, nothing derogatory to the Christian character in the profession of arms. The great question is, can he leave its temptations. These sentiments explain themelves, so I will not comment. In regard to my feelings, in retrospect of my sickness, I must say that if death is a foe, which I sometimes doubt, I desire that it may be my lot to be rationcolal (?conscious?) when I meet it and not in an unconscious state as I was during that week.
I must now close, as my hand is not in good order for writing long letters. Give my love to all and write soon. Thy loving son
W B Steven
To RB Stevens
