New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-27
PATRIOTIC OPTIMISM.
DIR. BARRows's BACCALAUREATE SER
MON AT AMHERST
THE LARGER SPHERE OF NATIONAL INFLUENCE
INTO WHICH AMERICA is ENTERING.


Amherst Mass, June 2s-The Rev DR.. Jonn
Henry Barrows delivered the baccalaureate ser
mon at Amherst College to-day. HIS text was
I'VE are saved by hope" Romans viii. a. he sa'a'
in part:
We saved by hope 1t is only chr yith NY
vouth that Graves and propheses immortality IL
does not lay cold hand upon young fancies ans, aho
them 1t rather uses Whatever of noble JOY springs
up within US as a prophecy OF 4 Nn oIi' ,er.
petuatcd, and where service shall re pertsct ree-
dom and JOY 70 each Of our sous mere
But / intend to apply these words this morning
the individual, but to the National NE Inc
Viii s0rinr largely from the Unreasonable energies
Of an intelligent hopefulness. ana one i.ason aor
hope and courage in contemplating American
Christianity springs from the fact that the Ameri-
churches more and more approaching th .
the new expansion Of our National opportunity and
obligation We justly feei that America Is herseii
a chief part Of the world, and That we DO an mn
mense service to mankind by STRIVING 10 ihPfV W
the spirit and conditions Of our own people. we
now tho chef branch of what we call the
already achieved is hardly to be mentioned by the
side oil that imperial grandeur that awaits us be-
IoIe the close OF the next century me tne ot ou
political and moral isolation has already passed
away. We have gone to the ut;ermOst parts OK
the earth with our Christian institutions; AZ ms
already been our mission to give new truths to the
Professor James Bryce perceived that our Kepub-
lie has reached the highest level. not only or ma
YET attained by the race. This perception how
ever has not reached the minds Of our Continental
successful war has done far more 10 change their
estimate than decades Of peaceful prosperity.
Those who come 10 our country and study II care,
fully and candidy become the apostles Of helpfui
discomfort in the lands to which they return.
America stands in the highway Of the nations be-
order to secure the traie Of nina and the orient
that transcontinental railways have linked the
Pacific TO the Atlantic coast There are more PEG,
pie in America who can read Shakespeare and
Milton than in all other lands together, and before
TWO centuries nave passed tne Englsh tongue wiz
De the vehicle OF commerce literature ana cN Ia
ton for the majority Of the human race: The
pire OF the future will not be on the banks OF the
Thames. but either at the mouth OF the Hudson or
Xmerea is the shief part and England and Russia
recognize it. Of what IS likely 70 be the controlling
world which lies to the vest Of us we do not yet
appreciate. but am convinced that the connection
one dos nor feel hat Amerira grows less i'm
ocean or skrtng the shores OF great continents. he
tude Of interests which lie outside of National
domain. And my observations OF recent years have
nearly in accord with what is rational humane.
scientific ana morally helpful than are some of the
II rests upon US brethren and friends TO assist
in showing American people what larger response
pity God IS forcing upon US IN preparing the
American mind for that ampler sphere Of National
Aeca is no longer Sabe 9 tbe oS5 but me
foremost Of Western nationalties and the sight to-
united contemplating expectanty the greater des-
times TO which God is calling US Is hopeful and
nspritins spectacle. We used TO be told that in
order 10 Christianize America neglect
Asia and Africa; in order to solve home mis-
s.onary problems must have foreign mis-
sicnary activities. We have long passed that mile
stone OF ignorance and soation. And
rapidly perceivirg that We are TO have a better
America through cherishing larger RESPONSE
billy.
Whatever IS done to foster a self-respecting, COM
prehensiNe and Christian patriotism is much
force accumulated for the redress OF grievances.
the righting II wrongs and the curing OF disease in
our body polite. Most well-nfOrmed believe
that the people OF England better governed
than any other people Of the world. This does not
mean that they have better form Of government
or TRAIT they achieve on the whole better results
IN their national life. but there Is conscien-
uoIsness, there Is more fidelity there is
efficiency for good in England than anywhere else.
The English people are perhaps the most deeply IL
not Intensely patriotic Of peoples they also tho
people that recognize to the fullest only their
Opportunities, but their responsibilities in world
affairs. think II altogether likely that present
events, the events OF the immediate past. and
those OF the immediate future. VIII reinforce q
higher patriotic purpose and spirit In own
land. an | believe that result Of this will be
better government in cities and States and In the
Nation; gradual Improvement along the lines OF ad-
mnlstratlon. and the determination that our coun-
try suddenly called upon 10 enter the family OF
peoples having international responsibilities shall
not be unworthy Of the position 10 which God has
summoned II.