Editorial June 29, 1912 Issue

THE BIRTH OF A NATION

Annie M. Knott

In the prophecy of Isaiah we find this question, "Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once?" Then there follows the cheering response from the spiritual side: "Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord." We may well ponder these sayings at this hour when the natal morn of a great republic is celebrated with rejoicing, for which none can deny there is some just cause. Is it not indeed true that underneath the noisy demonstrations, in spite of them, perhaps, the vital fact which at the beginning of its history brought forth this great republic makes strong appeal to all its citizens—when they take time to think? Well may each ask himself what this nation—any nation—stands for, and then inquire of the muse of history whether anything worthy of the name has ever been realized in human experience.

The wise man said long centuries ago that "righteousness exalteth a nation." He might have said that it constitutes the nation, for unrighteousness would inevitably disintegrate and destroy any state. Truly may it be said of this country, in the words of the poet,—

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