Gems (?) of German Thought Part 18

[42] Otherwise--horror of horrors!--Herr Chamberlain himself might not be quite a.s.sured of his Germanism.

[43] As to the prevalence of this illusion in Germany, see section "The Chosen People and its Mission," p. 28; also Introduction, p. xxi.

[44] Repeated, in other words, again and again by this author.

[45] Written 9th October, 1914.

[46] It is only fair to state that the writer does not apply this doctrine directly to the case of Belgium; but he cannot but have had it in mind. Here is the pa.s.sage from Deuteronomy: "When thou drawest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it. And it shall be, if it make thee answer of peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that all the people that is found therein shall become tributary unto thee, and shall serve thee. And if it will make no peace with thee, but will make war against thee, then shalt thou besiege it.

And when the Lord thy G.o.d delivereth it into thine hand, thou shalt smite every male thereof with the edge of the sword. But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take for a prey unto thyself; and thou shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the Lord thy G.o.d hath given thee."

[47] As to the date of this utterance, see Index of Books.