RURAL DEPLETION 53 



her existence was the perfection of her own organism, 

 and the cathedrals of Europe form the magnificent 

 monument of the ideal and of its failure. The purpose 

 of our enquiry is not in the slightest degree, How can 

 the Church save herself amid the country's peril ^ Tt 

 is, How can she make rural life a happier and nobler 

 life, how she can meet the unmet needs of Canada, 

 until 



From Nova Scotia's misty coast to far Columbia's shore 

 She wakes — a band of scattered homes and wilderness no more, 

 But a strong nation, with her life full-beating in her breast, 

 A noble future in her eyes — the Britain of the West. 



Hers be the noble task to fill the yet untrodden plains 



With fruitful, many-sided life that courses through her veins; 



The earnest quest of noble ends, — the generous heart of 



youth, — 

 The stamp of true nobility, high honor, stainless truth; 



The love of country soaring far above dull party strife. 

 The love of learning, art, and song — the crowning grace of life; 

 The love of science searching far through nature's hidden 

 ways ; 



The love and fear of nature's God — a nation's highest praise; 

 The English honor, nerve, and pluck, — the Scotsman's love of 



right,— 

 The grace and courtesy of France, — the Irish fancy bright, — 

 The Saxon's faithful love of home and home's affections blest; 

 And, chief of all, our holy faith — of all our treasures best!* 



• Agnes Maulc Machar, " Dominion Day." 



