_D.--RELIGIOUS PEACE_




CHAPTER XIII

CO-OPERATION

_Children of men! the Unseen Power, whose eye_
_For ever doth accompany mankind,_
_Hath looked on no religion scornfully_
_That man did ever find._
--MATTHEW ARNOLD.


This is not the place to discuss the merits or demerits of any
theological views or of any system of Church government, but the
question of the influence of religion on the life of the State and the
way in which and conditions under which it can be rightly exercised
cannot be overlooked. There is no doubt whatever that religious
influence might be a most potent and useful factor in Reconstruction,
using the word in the broadest sense. There are some branches of work in
which no other known influence can effect what is required. Leaving
aside for the moment the fact that there are needs of humanity which
religion alone can satisfy, and looking only to social improvement, the
power of religion has been proved again and again, especially in dealing
with the cases that seem most difficult and almost hopeless. In India,
for example, there are certain debased tribes which are habitually