{Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Canada
Rev. J. Reble, President
104 Hughson St. Hamilton, Ont.
Rev. C.R. Cronmiller, Vice-President
Williamsburg, Ont.
Rev. H.R. Mosig, German Secretary
New Hamburg, Ont.
Rev. C. H. Little, S.T.D., English Sec'y
170 Albert Street, Waterloo, Ont.
Rev. E. Holm, Treasurer
Conestogo, Ont.}
Sept. 3, 1939.
Dear Mother:
As you are no doubt long before this letter reaches youfully aware, the die has been cast, hell has broken loose, and we are in a world war again. It is a tragedy beyond all calculation, and one that could easily have been prevented, had the nations involved exercised a little forbearance and been guided by righteous motives. But just as at the time of the flood, God saw that the wickedness of man was very great in the earth, so He sees it now, and allows again His righteous judgment to fall upon mankind because they will not hearken to His holy will and law. It seems strange that with the horrors of the last world-war still so fresh in mind from which the world has not yet recovered that the folly of men should be so great that they are ready to plunge the world into another deluge of blood; but it only serves to show the exceeding wickedness of men, that they are fully bent on bringing God’s overwhelming judgment down upon them again.
Undoubtedly dark days are ahead of us here in Canada. Already we are experiencing a slight taste of the coming misery. Our money is losing its value and the prices of things are going up by leaps and bounds, and regulations restricting the use of foods and other things are being put into effect. These, of course, will become harder and more rigorous as time goes on. Our Canadian Parliament has been called into special session for the 7th inst., and there is no doubt but that one of its first measues will be to enact conscription. This will mean that at least three and perhaps four of our boys will be called to the colours. Whether any
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of them will ever come back alive, or unharmed, God alone knows. The thing is too terrible to contemplate: we can only commend them to God and implore His mercy and protection for them. I thought from previous utterances of President Roosevelt that he would plunge your country also at once into the conflict, but at present it seems that he is inclined to keep the States out of it. For this attitude he is to be commended. Tremendous efforts will be put forth to draw the United States in, and it will take exceedingly high courage for the powers that be to keep them out of it. And whichever way the things turns out, only the devil will be the gainer. It is too bad; but there is nothing that we can do about it, but pray that the Lord will in His good providence lessen as far as possible the destructiveness of this vicious appeal to force and arms, which can never decide what is right. In these terrible times faith alone can comfort us, as we reflect upon the unfailing promise of God that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.
We are having beautiful weather now, nice and war and sunshiny and breezy. Everything in nature is so peaceful, while the wrath of man is raging. The heavens are still declaring the glory of God and the firmament showing His handiwork. It is too bad that wicked man should spoil it all, and persist in bringing about his own destruction. But God will overrule all things and make the wrath of man please Him and bring about the accomplishment of His purposes, to Whom be glory forever and ever, Amen. Robert came home yesterday for a short visit over theholiday. He is going back to-morrow; but we are greatly enjoying his visit while he is here. Bonnie and the three youngest girls had a nice trip to Toronto on Thursday last and took in and greatly enjoyed the Toronto Exhibition. Dinner has been called. So you will kindly excuse me for a few minutes. Bonnie had intended to have chicken for dinner in
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of Robert’s arrival, and had bought two chickens at a dollar apiece and put them down in the cellar; but the air wasn’t any too cool and invigorating down there and so the hens spoiled till they smelled to high heaven, and she had to dump them out into the garbage. But in spite of this mishap we had a very good dinner, such as was not to be sneezed at.Marion and Howard came over before dinner and are still here. You should see little “Bobby”. He is growing very fast and is as lively and happy as a bird, and even smokes a nice little pipe that his grandfather Heintz gave him. Carolus and Marge intended to have their “Frederick Clausen” baptised to-day over at the Clausen residence; but whether they have done so yet or not, I do not know. We will begin College and Seminary two weeks from to-day, if there are any boys left to go to school. The College will probably have a number of girls anyway. I will be glad when we open up again, as I am getting fed up with a life of idleness. Last week I read the New Testament through in three days, which is a record, I think for me.Well, wishing you one and all God’s blessing, I am as ever, Most affectionately yours,
[signed] Carroll
