The Friend, Vol 93 A Religious and Literary Journal July 3, 1919 Classic Reprint

Excerpt from The Friend, Vol. 93: A Religious and Literary Journal; July 3, 1919

On the other hand, trust and good-will breed trust and good will. Man's impulses Oi generosity truly acted on would dispel national hatred, break the chains of poverty, abolish cut-throat competition, establish universal co-operation, and assure to all the fulness Of life.

We know that in many quarters these principles are striving to find expression, often crudely, Often uncertainly. Wherever men are inspired by high ideals, or are responding to noble impulses, there we recognize the eternal Spirit Of the living Christ at work in their hearts. It is this response to the Spirit which alone truly liberates the soul and sets men free, the Grace of God giving power to make the new man and the new world. For it is not only in the world outside that men are disappointed. We have disappointed ourselves. We have been surprised to find how easily we were swayed by passion or prejudice, how soon we slipped into acquiescence in wrong. Our better nature cries out for reinforcement. This reinforce ment comes from the Spirit of Christ at work in our hearts. Our faith in humanity rests upon faith in Him. For when Jesus walked the hills Of Galilee He appealed for just this response in the human soul to the finer values of good-will, of trust and generosity. He said in effect, Live your lives on the basis Of those true values within yourself, and in doing so you will discover that you are sons of your Heavenly Father, for they are His values also.

Christianity is said to be Of the past, and useless for the living present, and, in SO far as forms and creeds have given us a theological abstraction in place of the man Christ jesus, this is true. But the religion of jesus of Nazareth is the most natural religion possible. No dogmatic assertion can prove the reality of jesus to any man; but, as he follows the light that is given him, the majesty and heroism Of that life will Speak to his heart with a compelling voice, and all that is best within him will respond with loyal and reverent enthusiasm.

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