of conscience, and it may be necessary
to protest against what seems to be an injustice. No rule can be laid
down for exceptional cases. Generally it will be best to submit to the
wrong, while at the same time using all legitimate means to secure the
repeal of the obnoxious law. And if they will revolt, martyrs must not
complain nor be unready to submit to the penalties involved. (_c_) It
is the further duty of all to take some _personal part_ in the
government--if not by active service, at least by the conscientious
recording of one's vote. Christians must not leave the direction of
the nation's affairs to non-Christians. The spirit of Christ forbids
moral indifference to anything human. All are not fitted for, or
called upon to take, public office; but it is incumbent upon every man
to maintain an intelligent public spirit, and to exercise all the
duties of good citizenship. It has been truly said that they who give
most to the State get most from the State. It is the men who play
their part as active citizens working for the nation's cause who enrich
their own lives and reap the harvest of a full existence. Not by
withdrawal from social service, but in untiring labour for their
country's weal, shall men win for themselves and their brethren the
fruits of liberty and peace. For nations as for men emancipation may
come with a stroke, but freedom can be earned only by strenuous and
united toil.
{235}
(3) Already these ideals have begun to take shape. The most
significant feature of modern times is the growing spirit of democracy.
Men of all classes are awakening to their rights, and are accepting
their share in the task of social reconstruction. 'We know how the
masses,' says Eucken, 'are determined to form a mere dependent body of
the so-called higher classes no longer, but to take the problem of life
independently into their own hands.'[24] But while the modern
democratic movement is not without its hopeful aspects, it is fraught
also with grave perils. It is well that the people should awake to
their obligations, and realise the meaning of life, especially in its
social implications. But there is a danger that culture may not
advance with emancipation, and while the masses demand their rights
they may not at the same time discern their duties. For rights involve
duties, and emancipation, as we have seen, is not liberty. The appeal
of the socialistic party is to the equality of all who bear human
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