FACTORS IN CIVILIZATION.

TRUTH REVEALED BY FREE DISCUSSION.

"We are told that discussion is dangerous. Dangerous to what? Truth invites it, courts the point of the Ithuriel-spear, whose touch can but reveal more clearly the grace and grandeur of her angelic proportions."

-JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL.

PROGRESS ACHIEVED THROUGH HUMAN VOLITION.

"How has the world's moral progress thus far been carried on? Just as certainly by the action of human wills as by the great working force of Nature. The crown and climax of the Universe's moral force, the last and finest form in which it ultimates itself, is human volition. Other things are used to make its trunk and limbs, but it blossoms only in souls, and fruits itself through wills."

-JOHN C. KIMBALL.

EVOLUTION'S GOAL.

"Liberty is not the point of departure, but

the goal of human evolution.'

-COUNT GOBLET D'ALVIELLA.

THE Course of study suggested for the current season continues in the field of Applied Sociology, with special reference to the customs, forces and tendencies which enter as factors into our American civilization. The topics for the several lectures belong to the departments of practical ethics, economics and sociology proper, rather than to that of politics; yet some of them have already invaded the field of political discussion, and are doubtless destined in no distant future to tax even more severely than heretofore the resources of practical statesmanship.

All free governments, wherein the settlement of social and political issues is attempted through universal or manhood suffrage, depend for their stability and prosperity upon the widest diffusion of intelligence among their citizens. Since a just and final settlement of such disputed questions can be hoped for only through the application of the method of science and evolution to their consideration, and since all problems relating to human rights and obligations are predominantly ethical in their character, the work undertaken by this Association

would seem to be second to no other in practical utility and vital importance.

In accordance with our established custom, we recommend to all intending to follow this course of study the perusal of Spencer's "Principles of Ethics," and Bryce's "The American Commonwealth." A more extended course of reading is also recommended in connection with each topic.

We again earnestly invite the co-operation of educators, religious and ethical teachers, students of social science, the leaders of political parties, the secular and religious press and the public generally, in our efforts to cultivate an enlightened patriotism and a sound and intelligent judgment upon the great questions of civic and individual duty.

FACTORS IN AMERICAN CIVILIZATION.

SUNDAY EVENINGS.

I.

October 16, 1892.

The Nation's Place in Civilization: Evolution of the Nation. Its relation to the tribe, clan, family and individual. The Federal system. Difference between a Nation and a Confederacy. Natural and arbitrary factors in national life. When is the sentiment of nationality a help, and when a hindrance to universal human brotherhood? Dangers of a too rigid and immobile structure of the State. A written Constitution: is it a help or a hindrance to progress? Prospective final relation of the Nation to humanity at large. Ethical aspects of the problem.

Essay by Charles De Garmo, Ph. D.,

President of Swarthmore College.

Discussion to be opened by Mr. William Potts.

COLLATERAL READINGS: Spencer's Principles of Sociology and Justice; Mulford's The Nation; Bryce's The American Commonwealth; Maine's Ancient Law, Early Law and Customs and Popular Government; Coulanges' The Ancient City; Lubbock's Origin of Civilization; Woodrow Wilson's The State; Freeman's Comparative Politics; Woolsey's Political Science; Twiss's The Law of Nations; Humboldt's The Sphere and Duties of Government; Draper's Intellectual Development of Europe.

II.

October 30, 1892.

Natural Factors of American Civilization: Geological factors: How the framework of the country was made, geologically. Location of mountain ranges and water courses. Nature's early storing up of materials for our future civilization. Geographical factors: relation of sections, extent of territory and remoteness from European Nations. Natural unity of our country. Climatic factors: their wonderful diversity. Contact with a new country,