This inner life, influenced in right ways,
finds expression in a better individual, home and community
standard. This standard makes for the uplifting of the social state
outside as well as inside the church. The principle is, not social for
the sake of being social, but "social to save." It is quite certain
that unless the church sets up its ideals in the community, a worldly
community will set up its ideals in the church. The more spiritual a
church as a social settlement is the stronger the social bond becomes
between rich and poor, the learned and the unlearned.
BROTHERHOOD
The Christian Social Brotherhood is not a brotherhood of a class but
of all classes and conditions of men. To-day the popular idea of
brotherhood is the association of men of a certain trade. There is a
strong tendency for social groups to be formed, which are exclusive of
all who do not conform to a certain standard in the industrial world
and inclusive of all who do. The members are looking for protection
and mutual benefit.
Christ said of His brotherhood, "One is your Master, even Christ and
all ye are brethren.... One is your Father which is in heaven"
(Matthew 23:8,9). We find here the great principle laid down that
there can be no true brotherhood without a common fatherhood.
Christians are brothers because they have a common "Master" and
"Father" hence they seek to do good not only to the members of the
brotherhood but to all men, because God is the Father of all.
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