No matter, I say. The Master-Weaver understands what we are here for
and what we are doing, and that is enough. He has uses for every sound
thread and doubtless one is as important as another. Vaunt not
yourself O thread of purple, over your fellow-thread of white!
Asserting then that the man who quarries stone has served humanity as
well as he who writes a book, if quarrying stone is what he can do
best; asserting the equal value of all things done well and the equal
dignity of all sincere and honest work of hand and brain, I shall not
be misunderstood when I say that the present day has developed three
careers of usefulness which, while not more important, are more
continuously prominent than any others.
These are statesmanship, journalism, and the pulpit.
The Pulpit deals with faith. It has to do with religion. Religion
makes moral ideals vital. Moral ideals make individual life sweet and
satisfying, national life strong and pure. "Righteousness exalteth a
nation." The young man and the pulpit are therefore preeminent in
conspicuity.
The American people at heart are a religious people. They are
practical and fearless, too. If you will listen to the chance
conversations of the ordinary American you will find that the laymen
of the Nation have some very decided views upon the Pulpit, the man
who fills it, and the work he ought to do.
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