In addition to moral problems as old as the world, almost every generation is faced by a moral problem which belongs to it especially. The generations immediately preceding us dealt with the institution of human slavery, and because it had become abhorrent to the consciences of thousands of people all over the world, it was finally abolished in spite of enormous difficulties. This generation is being faced with a similar situation in regard to the abolition of [illegible] the institution war. It too has become abhorrent to groups of people in almost every nation on the face of the earth who feel that they can brook it no longer. It may take many years to secure the final abolition of war, as was true of slavery, but it is largely a matter of devising such political arrangements between nations that mankind will learn to entrust their national safety to international courts, treaties and conferences, rather than to huge navies and military equipment.
To shift a nation’s sense of security from military equipment ↑strength↓ to moral ↑political↓ sanctions is not an easy task. It requires years of education and the constant development of new political devices between the nations, but of course it can be accomplished as other great moral ↑social↓ undertakings have been through moral energy and cooperating good will. To stand outside of this great movement may be to lose an opportunity to participate in the great moral effort of your own day and generation. [page 2]
Good people throughout the world this winter are very much concerned over the lack of employment for thousands of men and women who in many countries have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The question of unemployment is being seriously considered everywhere, and we hope public spirited boys and girls will in time develop a sense of responsibility in regard to it. To be gentle and understanding to those in distress, to be ready to help those in need, is the duty of good citizens the world around.
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