ely repudiated by the most enlightened
advocates of a new social order, who are contending, they tell us, not
for the abolition, but for the betterment, of domestic conditions.[14]
(_b_) The stability of social life is being threatened even more
seriously by a self-centred individualism. Marriage is considered as a
merely temporary arrangement which may be terminated at will. It is
contended that divorce should be granted on the easiest terms, and the
most trifling reasons are seriously put forward as legitimate grounds
for the annulling of the holiest of vows. Without discussing these
disintegrating influences, it is enough to say that the trend of
history is against any radical tampering with the institution of
marriage, and any attempt to disparage the sanctity of the home or
belittle domestic obligations would be to poison at its springs the
moral life of man.

3. The duties of the various members of the family are explicitly, if
briefly, stated in the apostolic epistles. They are valid for all
times and conditions. Though they may be easily elaborated they cannot
well be improved. All home obligations are to be fulfilled _in_ and
_unto_ the Lord. The fear of God is to inspire the nurture of
children, and to sanctify the lowliest services of the household.
Authority is to be blended with affection. (1) _Parents_ are not to
provoke their children by harsh and despotic rule, nor yet to spoil
them by soft indulgence. _Children_ are to render obedience, and, when
able, to contribute to the support of their parents.[15] Masters are
to treat their servants with equity and respect. Servants are exhorted
to show fidelity. In short all the relationships of the household are
to be hallowed by the spirit of Christian love.

Many questions relative to the family arise, over which {227} we may
not linger. One might speak of the effect of industrial conditions
upon domestic life, the employment of women and children in factories,
the evil of sweating, the problem of our city slums, and, generally, of
the need of improved environment in order that our labouring classes
may have a chance of a healthier and purer home existence. Legislation
can do much. But even law is ineffective to achieve the highest ends
if it is not backed by the public conscience. The final solution of
the problem of the family rests not in conditions but in character, not
in environment but in education, in the kind of men we are rearing.