New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-12-12

Geographically indlviduasts. The DiGncSs
of our National estate discovered IN the fitness OF
time and Offering its rich bosom to the industry of
man, when man began 10 be aware OF the limitations
Of his condition in Europe, beckoned him to an en-
lareement Of individual energy. offered such rich re
wards to Pin who had nani,ness and wisdom to win
them as had never been offered man before.
Politically our institutions predlSpOse usOindlvlduai-
Of our freedom were deeply impressed with the fail
ure OF those forms of government in Europe that 10
them represented repression OF the Individual rights
Thus it comes to pass that the hgness Of Our lard.
the progress cne,S OF founders, and the tmell-
ness of the discovery Of virgin continent all com
bined to give hopeful start and large reward 10
the push, energy and courage OF man. II Is ex-
aggeraton then to say that what we see around us to-
day Is chiefly the result Of 81 generous individuasm
and standing amazed The wonderful results achieved
they not prepared To give anything more than a
any that suggests that indvldualism Itself
Is not good but only way of approach is not a
Christians believe that the life and teachings Of Jesus
Christ have for their object the vindlcatng of Gods
ind anu a p INC" would aS e expect pee an" '' nd
fullest provision for individual development. and
statement that this is not all salvation Itself is not
the safety Of the individual only Or chiefly. 1t is
the creation OF purified and stable social stat.
This society Christ proclaimed. Its law He Illus
raed and ,ei0poapded II, sure final triumph He
the society and time In which we find ourselves
row TO DISCHARGE DUTY
First think we shall do by recognizing the
imperfect nature OF the Christianity which these cir
and times have specially tended TO pro
duce. TIE vast individual energy Of our people
molds and profoundly influences OF course the religions
life OF the people; and this life is present In
dyiduallsic. 1t could not but be 50. II works too
much for Its hand, seeks achieve much its
own fortune, TO I'll it own mouth and be its own
law. 1t IS hyperprOtestan In short Ii stands
rooted In such adages Us: The first law OF develop
nent Is the law Of selfprescrvaton." No doubt it
Is the first law, but rudlmentary law, law that be-
longs in it, fullest application TO barbarous times and
ola Get fD he hqu dc md
feet to swing il out OF danger 10 the ape But surely
the slow though almighty tides OF divine purpose have
lifted ms at least 20 point where We can the
beginnings OF the working Of some larger, higher law
thu this.
Fidelity conscience the motive power OF their
splendid pas The tmes were stormy and dark and
was the best light Of which the bulk OF men were
capable. Bnt starshine Is not sunshine and 1t is
assisted, uninspired BY love become balefu fire.
strength. often ptiless. charactcrzeS Its rule II IS
Gods chosen instrument 10 dash I'm pieces and lay low
the evil grOwths Of time II carries the blast Of de-
stFucOn with often and that blast IS lndiscr1mat
ing. Every scholar knows that England endured the
cI.Omities and folies Of Charles H. and for time
James II, rather than risk the return to the too iron
Of prescription and prescription, and in "A law that
cannot tie man 10 man. Conscience Is negative and
discrimination. proportion |; IS magnifccnty brave
f. the hour Of trial and never shrnks before calamity
but II i almost ptiless 70 the cry Of the child
ii IS to the curslng Of the baSphemer 1t launches
It's MaynoNer; but 1t also burns It's great and good
scrvetus with green wood and The poor foolish
crones Of salem are not too small or despicabe to
escape It's vlpdictiveness.
Now, the simple fact IS. that much Of the popular
and orthodox religion prevalent In our modern Prot.
estant bodies Is only Puranism. more less watered
down. II lacks It's rugged strength, and Il suffers
gievOusly from want OF adaptiveness. Not all the
preaching writing prosecuting hcresy trials
Of those who oppose IL make 1t nj comfortably or
reasonably on the limbs OF the present,
OF the chief reason for this J. plain enough.
Mems thoughts, instincts and aims more and more
consciously drawing them into more Involved and
complex social relations The aim OF every good man
IS 10 help his fellow. There Is more pity for the
weak. more comforting for the sorrowine, moro offers
Of aid to the Overburdened than ever before Men
no longer willingly pas by the unfortunate who has
fallen among thieves. They anxious 10 help him.
and bring him 10 their inn and put him on
their beast. If they only knew how. And. in
Stncvcly. they feel again that this Is the best thing
In them, the most religious instinct within them. They
turn naturally 10 leaders and thinkers In renro>
matters for vindcaIOn and direction and TOO often they
met by these mere expounders Of more or less
lead Professionalism. who add 10 their confusion BY
trying 10 direct the influences OF age In angua