Article February 23, 1907 Issue

FROM OUR EXCHANGES

with contributions from Amory H. Bradford, William Jennings Bryan

[Amory H. Bradford in The New York Observer.]

At a conference between English laborers and English clergymen, the spokesman of the laborers said: "The clergy are honest and hard working on their own lines, but we want them to take a new line. We are in the presence of a social breakdown, and I say that as matters stand, for practical purposes to me and my duty in everyday life, the bulk of the clergy of all denominations are of the least possible use in the world to me and mine." Thoughtful artisans are more concerned with social than with metaphysical problems. They do not believe in any religion which does not aim at the betterment of the present conditions of wage-earners. The wails of their fellows ring in their ears. The cry of to-day drowns all voices that speak of to-morrow. The present hell gives no promise of a future heaven. "What will make life worth living for us?" A rational answer to that question thoughtful men will go anywhere to hear. The churches have that answer in the teachings of Jesus, and they should give it clearly and without fear or favor.

[William Jennings Bryan in The Commoner.]

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