“Test Case for Canada” is one of those books that having commenced to read it, one must finish it before putting it down. My son received it as a Sunday School prize and scanning its pages I quickly saw that this book belongs in everyone’s library, but more so to be read by every-one.
The book is centered around a Brother John Evans and his experiences as a Conscientious Objector in World War I (1914-18). It may appear strange to us, though we would not hold any importance to it, when Brother Evans was eighteen years old living at the time in Hamilton he ventured into a fortune teller’s tent at one of the fair midways and was told, “If you follow the dictates of your heart, you are going to prison.” Four years rolled by and the year 1917 found Britain and her allies already locked in bitter conflict with Germany. He goes on to outline the Canadian law and attitude towards Conscientious Objectors. Under the Canadian Act a Conscientious Objector was expected to be willing to serve in the army virtually in any capacity short of bearing arms. This was different from Britain where exemption was granted from serving in the forces. Early in 1917 the Canadian Christadelphian Standing Committee was formed to negotiate with the government on behalf of the brethren, for the same privileges as the English brethren.
On January 12, 1918, Brother Evans received his military call-up papers, but he did not report to the authorities. Police were sent out to search for him. When found, he was placed under military escort and taken to an army camp at Niagara Falls. From the moment he stood before the Assistant Commanding Officer he became a “Test Case for Canada.” It was the intention of those in authority to prove through this man whether the Christadelphians of Canada were trying to evade military services under the cloak of the title Conscientious Objector. In Brother Evans’ words, “They were bent on making a soldier of me.”
From the time two sergeant majors dressed him by force in military clothes until his discharge, he became a “spectacle unto the world.” the strength to withstand the abuse, suffering, came from the Lord God. He no doubt gained help as the Apostle Paul in the words of comfort given to him from God, “my grace is sufficient for thee.”
Moved from camp to camp, he became an outlet to some of the sergeant majors to vent their cruel and sadistic traits. Yet among the men there were those who had respect for this man of God and helped him more than once in his determination to stand fast to the things that he believed in.
More than once the authorities tried to “sow discord” between the Standing Committee and Brother Evans by sending a false report on his attitude and conduct.
On March 25, he was included in the overseas draft and placed under escort. His life became like his Lord and Master, “having no place to lay his head” as he was shuttled from one city to another, from one filthy jail to another army camp. It was while he was in Oshawa from March 25 to April 4 that he had the following experience. In the armory there was a cocky little sergeant who was obsessed in making Evans a soldier. One night the sergeant with a gang of men he had recruited arranged to take him up to the front of the armory where it was deserted and “If Evans will not put on his putties and behave in a military manner, we will knock hell right out of him,” was their intention. God works in wonderful and strange ways. Before their plan could be put into action, a group of prisoners also confined to this armory got news of this and assured Brother Evans they would take care of things. The sergeant hearing of this and fearing a riot, called the whole thing off.
On April 4, he left Halifax for England on an army ship. A few days after checking in at Whitley with the Eighth Reserve, he was told that he was going to be sent to Wandsworth Military Prison known as the “glass House.” A dreaded institution having the reputation of breaking the most hardened offender. He spent three weeks in this prison experiencing solitary confinement, physical and mental abuse, and starvation.
Space will not permit to tell all the things that happened to him at this time, one must read the book.
Before his final release, he was almost drafted to the front line in France and to spend more time in the Petonville prison.
Returning to Toronto, his release was not immediate and so still being attached to the army, he came in for more rough treatment from those with rank.
It was a happy and thankful day when he was officially released on New Year’s Day.
When one takes on the Name of Christ, we become aware that the new life will not be an easy one. Jesus said, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Brethren of Christ shall be expected, and should be prepared for experiences similar to our Brother Evans, for Christ did say, “And ye shall be brought before the governors and kings for my sake. for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.”
Reading this book, I found myself seeking the shadow of the room for it reminded me how often I have been asked like Peter, “Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.” In weakness and unbelief, I answered, “I do not know the man.” The challenge does not come in the same form for us today that it did to Brother Evans, but nevertheless it comes every day of our lives in different ways. Let us remember Christ’s words, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, Him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven.”
Brother Evans was truly a courageous and fine soldier for his King and Lord. Shall we so endure the battle of life and in that hour be called to join the ranks of the redeemed of the Lord, the Captain of our salvation?
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One