Editorial July 4, 1908 Issue

PATRIOTISM

Annie M. Knott

Among the many evidences of progress at the present time are the numerous protests from the press against the rather barbaric manner in which the birth of this nation has of late years been celebrated. In Boston and some other large cities repressive measures have been adopted in the interests of the better class of citizens, whose endurance of discordant sounds has reached the limit; but mere repression does not deal adequately with such an important problem as the right behavior of our younger citizens on occasions when patriotism is aroused. The underlying thought of what this nation — any nation—stands for, should be so impressed upon young and old that none would think of celebrating its natal day by mere noise and folly, any more than they would by treason or sedition. No one can have too great a love for his country; the only question is how patriotism can best be displayed.

In listening to the ceaseless din of fireworks on a public holiday, one may well recall the words of the revolting Israelites, when "they forgat God their Saviour" and made them a golden calf, saying, "These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt." A false sense of a nation's guardian and greatness is the secret of its downfall. Mrs. Eddy says that "oppression neither went down in blood, nor did the breath of freedom come from the cannon's mouth" (Science and Health, p. 225). The "breath of freedom" is a glorious thing, and to know how it is to be gained and preserved is of more importance to humanity than all else.

Long ago the great Teacher said, "The truth shall make you free," and the founders of this nation wisely provided in its Constitution that every man should have freedom to seek health and happiness. In addition to this, they made liberal provision for the education of the young, that they might gain the true ideals of individual and national greatness. None can deny that if this nation has failed to express the loftiest ideals, it is because mere money has been made the goal in too many cases, and brute force, typified by the symbols of war, has become the modern god. Neither can any deny that if nations and individuals, are great, they are so because each has exalted righteousness,—justice and mercy,—and proved that the spiritual is the real, the true. It should never be said of this great nation that on the anniversary of its birth patriotism is expressed by gunpowder and a crude appeal to the senses. Can we not have the splendor of lofty deeds and loftier ideals to arouse the enthusiasm of our youth and remind the stranger within our gates that in this our Commonwealth the kingdom of God is come?

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