The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1922-10-05
RELIGION IN RECONSTRUCTION
University Museum Report

~ SAts
You are aware that there is general
agreement on one point: reconstruc-
ton is needed. We cannot go on adj
ding crisis to crisis and making chaos
more chaotic. On some basis, what
ever that may be, we must set up
anew the fabric of humanity. BY
some plan, We must bind together the
vital powers that too long have put
themselves asunder. BY some con-
certed effort, be the strain what IL
may, we must lift the broken world
again to order and prosperity.
So much is plain. But when we ask
what is first to be done, what the
essential need that forthwith must be
supplied, men speak a various Ian
guage. Each group declares the solu-
ton of its special problems to be the
one thing necessary for the salvation
of all. Settle the political question,
says one, and other settlement auto
matically will follow. Adjust econo-
mic conditions and the other problems
will disappear. Place finance on a
solid basis and our troubles will be
ended. Legislate, amend, repeal, and
the right IL bound to prevail. Above
all else, educate-that the people may
know what they want, and how 1t is
to be got, and what Is to be done with
tina. which they get.
Now I am SURE II would be foolish
to undertake the Importance OF any
of these things. For you will agree
with me that the orderly course OF
our human affairs demands justice in
government, equity In the distribution
of worldly goods, wisdom in the max
ing of laws, and enlightenment re-
garding the rights and duties which
citizenship implies.
Furthermore, Il Is evident that the
worth Of my of these depends not only
on it's particular aim, or the energy
OF those who support 1t, or the enthus-
iasm of those who pursue 1t. In even
greater measure, it depends on the
name of it's cooperation with all
other factors, with all other under
takings that makefor the good OF hui
mainly. 1t is the separate strivings
for each of these ends that brings
about conflict. Ii is the unihcation
of effort, through understanding OF the
common purpose and mutual appre-
citation, that holds out the promise OF
success.
What, then, shall be the basis OF
such universal agreement, of the soil
darity which now more than ever liz
Indispensable? 1t there not some In
ner deep-seated strain upon the souls
OF men which finds expression IN
these various forms?-some vital i'm.
pulse which urges these claims and
gives &c each II justigcation?
There Is but m possible answer
II men today demand larger opportun'
tiles. II they seek a richer abundance
of life, 1t is because they are con
scious of their right to live. IL the!
struggle against oppression. whatevel
its guise or motive. it is because o
their sense of freedom. And IL witt
such energies as they possess the.
battle for what seems to them tn
good things of life, II Is because the,
feel, as never before, that they or
entitled TO happiness.
These rights they W to no maj
These claims are prior to any law {
: the State. They are Gods own gil
| 10 His creatures-inalienable as
{ mans duty of subsection to his Make
inyiolable as Heavens eternal Law
E sacred beyond any privilege or COZ
0 cessjon that human ordinance can b
stow. Wealth cannot purchase ther