The New York herald., 1922-03-27
BISHOP SUMMONS
PARENTS TO ACTION
Shipman, at Confirmation,
Says They Have Power to
Crush Cynicism Of Youth.

biSnop 1terDert Snipman, preaching
yesterday at a confirmation service in
the Church OF the Heavenly Rest, his
former parish. discussed the relations
between parents and children and de-
clared that the burden of responsibility
lies with the former Fathers and
mothers and leaders in BUSINESS and
society who are avowed Christians and
church members have it within their
power TO sweep away fallacies and
cynicism If they will, he said. and in
their place establish standards which
they know are right.
Now Is the time not only for our
children to think. but for YOU and me
to regard the responsibility we have to
then1," he said. 1T is time for us to
awaken again TO q sense of roblesse
oblige. the deepest. finest feeling that
can be aroused among the strong and
the youthful.
1T may be that the old appeal to so
right because Of the things we gain
thereby has lost its power over us.
pray it may be So 1t was simply selfish
ness 1t may be that some have lost
a sense of security in the power OF
Christ. that they feel satisfied with life
TO be average and say they are willing
to take the consequences. But the
freshness of youth has not been spoiled.
We must give our youth a chance.
Lower Standards Not Conceded.
1T isn't fair for those who have gone
before to criticize those who follow un-
less they are doing what they can t.
make things better.
'1f ii be true that the standards of
life nave been lowered-and ] am not
conce1ing that it Is true-isn't 1t also
true that our young people have taken
the standards which you and l kept
behind the doors and home? For their
sake we must consecrate ourselves
anew. Business men who have the train
ing of younger men can teach that there
is something better than the old cynicism
that every man has a price, that there
is something greater than simply bank
account, and that the old evil creed 4
must live IS a lie. 1t Is within their
power to teach that however honorable
or necessary the supply department or
the quaItermaster's department of life
may be life, like an army does not de-
pend upon what IL Is fed. or its clothing,
or houses, but upon its lighting. Bust
ness men must realize the value Of
teaching higher ethics to young men,
and they have 1t In their power to es-
tablish higher ethics.
Those in that vague something called
society-with so many mannerless,
moralless and soulless ones seeking TO
receive the message Of those at the door
may change the old falsehood that life
is simply for a good time and tell them
that position and privilege spell not only
enjoyment, but the greater those are the
greater the responsibility for service. 1t
is for them to say 1t is the standard
which should be held. Just as business
men can do It, so women of the church
hold it in their power, in the name of
God IL they only dare to face the criti-
cism OF their set to take a stand which
they know Is right.
old Influences Failing.
"Those who make home should
really make II home. Home is not sim
ply a house to be sublet IL one does not
care for it, 1t has TO be built 1t Is not
simply place or telephone number
You and / who have made our mark.
whose standards are known and whose
imprint has been made. become less and
less influential. 1t is a dismal fact, yet
it is true The young are going on more
itually. 1t is they who are going TO make
make the church better and deeper spir-
ituallq It IS they who are going to make
our beloved country what 1t should be.
II is they who are going to lift new
political standards and teach finer
patriotism and raise an Americanism
built not on wealth and territory. but on
conscience and service. For their sake
we must consecrate ourselves.
1T is nonsense to talk OF criticising
the world as Il is and only dreaming OF
making It better unless we put our
selves. the power of our ideals and our
inspiration on those with whom the re-
sponsibllity rests.
Il believe the world to-day Is waking
from its nightmare of materialism !
believe in this new advance and that In
the new gifts OF youth lies the heart 70
feel that this world Is not az II should
be, and that behind the heart Is the VIII
to stir into action"