problem and the facts of our undertaking. That we may intelligently
synthesize the influences that bear powerfully upon the church as it
seeks to meet its present day task, apprehend the effect of these
influences upon the religious ideals and thought of our young people,
and realize the atmosphere which Home Missions must permeate with its
saving faith, we must take account of the moulding thought-life of
our day.

It is always difficult to separate the apparent from the underlying
and more subtle causes and influences. Within the outer and more
obvious is usually hidden an inner current of thought and movement
that must be sought and realized in order that the whole content
may be obtained. Until quite recently--and we are still feeling its
effects--the tendency of our time strongly emphasized material
accomplishments. The world has been "intently and almost exclusively
occupied with subduing natural forces and material matter to humanity's
growing physical and mental needs." Thus have been given us the wonders
of scientific triumph which make possible the civilization of our day.

In America, especially, material development has appeared to
receive an exalted value and place. We have become familiar with
the charge made against us by Europe of being a nation of
materialists.

The transforming of a continent from a wilderness to a land of
homes and highly organized industry in the brief space of three
centuries; the marvelous and rapid development of the vast material
resources of our land; the hastening here of eager recruits from
other lands, passionately seeking and needing material betterment,
have magnified in this country the feverish acquisition of material