THE REMEDY. 763 



the questionable methods of obtaining money, the plun- 

 derings of corporations and trusts, with disregard of law 

 and justice, has contributed to produce a state of society 

 that is alarming in the extreme, and fearful to contem- 

 plate. The foundations of society are undermined, and 

 the whole social and political fabric will, if the tendencies 

 are not checked, fall upon our heads. When the highest 

 prizes in public life are only open to the venal and base, 

 the unprincipled and corrupt, the effect of the contagion 

 on the youths of the land is sufficient cause for alarm. 

 Ministers of the gospel are derelict in their duty in not 

 lifting their voices against this moral disease that is spread- 

 ing its baneful influence like a deadly poison, invading the 

 very sanctuaries of the churches. 



The purity of governments is founded upon the high 

 moral condition of the people. Washington, the highest 

 standard of the statesman, and purest type of the citizen, 

 says to his countrymen: 



"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to po- 

 litical prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable 

 supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of 

 patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars 

 of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of 

 men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the 

 pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume 

 could not trace all their connection with private and public 

 felicity. Let it simply be asked, where is the security for 

 property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious 

 obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of 

 investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution 

 indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained 

 without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influ- 

 ence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, 

 reason and experience both forbid us to expect that National 

 morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principles. 



