The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1921-11-17

marching on down the centuries
John Knox in Scotland and John wes-
ley in England begot whole commu-
mites aud nations Of forward-looking,
God.fearing men and women. Such
are some Of those commanding spirits
which, as the poet fifty Gays, "rule
us from their urns."
On the other hand there have been
what we now call dark ages"-ages
which contributed little and lost
much. Thus the XIV century in Eng.
lard was one Ct spiritual and intelcc.
tual decline. There was much cut
ward show. They were build nc
great cathedrals. The offices of he
church and state were all filled-
kings, cardinals, barons, judges.
There was an archbishop in the seat
Of st. Augustine at Canterbury, but
he was either a weakling or a self
seeking politician" The histor m
says cit is difficult to find a single
bishop respected for piety, virtue or
learning" That is what an age can
be when there are 10 unselfish her.
on the stage.
We conclude then that there is such
thing as progress. But it lies only
in the things of the spirit. More
power, more enlightenment, more
wealth, more speed-these are not
progress unless guided by intelligent
altruism. And progress is not con-
slant; there have been long pauscs
and great back-slidings.
You Must Make History
Now, young people, we pass from
history to prediction, from these
times that are packed away in the an
nails of the past to the times that
are forming rs we drive into the fu-
ture. You are coming right into
your inheritance. In a few years
the world will be in your hands. All
the parents and teachers who have
helped or hindered you will be gone .
All the great and petty offices OF
church and state will speedily fall
vacant, and there will be a scramble
for them by the place-seekers, and a
great effort on the part of those who
think and care to find the best person
for each post of duty. You mus
make the history of this coming age
Never doubt that with Gods help
you can do it. II depends mainly
upon your own will whether you will
be great or puny. Does it not show
Gods purpose that you have been
sifted out of all the company of your
EARLIER school.fellows and set apart
% receive special preparation? You
are by a great library and can get
acquainted with the inspiring spirits
IF all ages. You have teachers whom
you can question every day. You are
excused from the worlds work year
after year that you may reflect, ana
pray, and settle your principles, AID
make ready for all attacks and all ,
ligh endeavors.
It is to help visualize this future,
md rehearse its scenes, that we ask |
History, Religion and Imagination TO ;
'how us the battlefelds where you =,
will be fighting, let us say, between
1925 and 1865? I
We shall have five visions.
For Lincoln's Ideal of Government ]
First of all, the fight Of Roosevelt !
md others to improve our form Of s
government is unfinished and must he {
passed on to you. Had American 4
'larney led you to suppose our gov
already perfect? The world |
las passed, or supposes it has pasted G
'eyond the time Of tyrants and az - /
ocracies. The barons at Runnymelc $
nd Cromwell at Naseby purchased j
or the world this great possession /
government by the people. But this |
till needs, and may perpetually need, 1
djustment and improvement. Did
'ou ever hear the saying, Eternal c
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