MFT28

I thought we would think a little while today about conscience, that little voice within that speaks to all of us. Sometimes more persistent than at other times. But it is always there, unless we overpower its promptings too many times. That is a distinct possibility, that happens far more often than we care to admit.

Lets look at the dictionary definition of the word conscience. "The faculty, power, or inward principle which decides as to the character of one's own actions, purposes, and affections, warning against and condemning that which is wrong, and approving and prompting to that which is right; the moral faculty passing judgment on one's self; the moral sense."

That's not bad is it for a definition of that old bug-a-boo that I like to refer as the voice within. And I think that voice within is the voice of God prompting me in the way He would like me to go. For me that is even better. I like to think that my God does not leave me on my own, but rather he guides me through the kind of difficult situations that come my way. I have relied on that kind of leading for many years and have never been dis- appointed.

That inner voice prompted me to be a conscientous objecter in WWII. I was called all kinds of names but I followed that voice.

I have remaind true to that conviction to this very day and still believe that all war is wrong and contrary to the message that Jesus shared with his followers and with us, when He said, "Love your enemies". You can't love and kill at the same time.

Again that inner voice convinced me that I should enter the ministry, even though I only had a high school diploma. I found a Meeting in need of a pastor and had the opportunity to contin- ue my education at the same time. It took nine long years, but I finally finished my college degree at Earlham College.

Another good definition of conscience is:""As science means knowledge, conscience etymologically means self-knowledge . . . But the English word implies a moral standard of action in the mind as well as a consciousness of our own actions. . . . Conscience is the reason, employed about questions of right and wrong, and accompanied with the sentiments of approbation and condemnation." Whewell.

The government has a conscience clause. It is -- Conscience clause, a clause in a general law exempting persons whose religious scruples forbid compliance therewith, -- as from taking judicial oaths, rendering military service, etc.

And as a Quaker I have never taken an oath. I have used the alternative and affirmed that I was telling the truth. Quakers went through many struggles to obtain that right.

I am now 91 years old and still rely on that voice within. It has never led me astray so far.

My peace I leave with every one of you.