Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1904-09-13

difficulty is to see how these deep
seated evils are to be conquered
Should Initiate America.
| Wherever have gone have told the
people that the hope of the nation is
in the choice of system Of thorough
education which, like the American
shall give to every child the fullest
opportunity for intellectual develop
ment-that thoroughly enlightened
people will choose the best ways of
life, and l am confident that before
long the English people will see the
necessity and wisdom of this kind of
education. believe they are on the
eve of great changes which will
ultimately bring a larger welfare. A
wiser patriotism will be born through
|, the pains of severe discipline.
There is an abounding vitality in
the people, strength and muscle and
brain, latent resources for exigencieS,
power to master the enemies of pro-
gress. The Englishman has an
innate love of freedom, he is busy
working out that problem and though
the most difficult of all he will not
give it up until he finds that it leads
to a greater truth-to the unity and
happiness OF society.
My last Sundays services have been
a justification of this hope and faith.
They were in the City of Clitherve,
Lancashire, former pastorate of
mine. The social and religious con-
ditlons are similar to those l have
described and which may be found
throughout the country, in the midst
of evils, Indifference and ecclesiastical
bigotry there are Thoughtful, serious,
earnest, progressive people looking
for nobler order of society.
Large Congregations.
Yesterday found myself not only
in the midst of old friends, but in the
presence of large congregation full of
enthusiasm, eagerly attentive, hungry
for the word of life. 1t was ali affect
ing, inspiring sight, the people had
come from far and near; some had
Travelled five, ten. fifteen and twenty
miles in the faith that there was mes
sage for them. The mind and heart were
wide open to receive it. l felt it was
a great responsibilities day Of sub
lime opportunity. 1t was a pleasure,
a glorious privilege to speak what was
life to me, could feel the thrill of
response. 1t was remarkable scene,
l shall never forget it. Here was
convincing evidence of an undying
interest in eternal things-in the
truth which makes for freedom,
progress, and happiness. Their
appreciation and gratitude will be a
lifelong encouragement and inspira-
tion. There are people like these in
other towns and cities. l met them
everywhere, they are the hope and
life of the nation. Men and women
with open minds, of deeply religious
spirit. dissatisfied with the old social
order and creed-bound church-seek-
ing a largeri truth kingdom of
justice and love, not knowing how or
when it will appear, but stilll hoping
and believing, bravely doing their
duty in times of perplexity and
difficulty. They are working toward
the light and one day it will unex'
pectedly da wn, as New England will
arise, the false distinction will van
ish; the equality of all men will be
the new faith, the bond Of brother
hood, will bind all into the spiritual
unity of strong nation. The demand
for social justice is growing, much has
been realized, the general material
well-beiDg was never so good as it is
today and it must 90 on TO improve
until the humblest, poorest toiler
shall be elevated. and content.
Our holiday has come to a close.
We have had glorious time. The
weather has been ideal. Our friends
have overwhelmed us with kindness.
In every way they have studied and
striven to make our visit delightful,
and deareI to US a thousand times
more they are by innumerable deeds
of generosity and thoughtful love,
and though parted again by the wide
ocean we shall ever be near. 1t has
been sweet rest and refreShment for
body and mind, splendid invigora-
tion and renewal OF life. We return
strong for our future work. Hoping
this letter may have some interest to
your readers. Sincerely yours,
B. j. FL. SHAW.