IDEALS OF SOCIAL REFORMERS 219
I have also tried to point out the dangers to the liberty of the individual, the integrity of the home, and the just pride of nationality to which some of them are prone ; also how they may frustrate the realization of their own hopes by revolutionary methods and the fostering of a materialistic covetousness and trust in material improvements.
I have made similar criticisms before to audiences of social- ists, but never to a religious audience, because religious people are inclined to accept such criticisms as ground to excuse them- selves from participation in the movement. I hope that will not be the effect of this paper upon Christian readers. We ought to join in it exactly to avert these dangers. For my part, at least, I am a social reformer, though with feeble strength and sad cowardice. I am also a Christian disciple, and in this double quality I have tried to hold the balance even.
WALTER RAUSCHENBUSCH. NEW YORK.
