RISE OF THE GERMAN INNER MISSION.
Literature. A few important titles may be given here. Leitfaden der inneren Mission, by Pastor T. Schäfer. Die Lehre der inneren Mission, by Dr. Paul Wurster. Die christliche Liebesthätigkeit seit der Reformation, by J. G. W. Uhlhom. Die Kirchengeschichte des achtzehnten und neunzehnten Jahrbunderts, by Dr. K. R. Hagenbach. Fliegende Blätter des Rauhe Hauses. Monatsschrift für Diakonie und innere Mission. Ratzinger, die kirchliche Armenpflege (R.C.). Those who wish to pursue the subject further will find full bibliography in these works.
I.
In a previous article[1] it was attempted to indicate the function of the voluntary association in social movements, and it was then said that "it is a part of the plan of this Journal to publish descriptions, estimates and criticisms of many forms of free coöperation for human ends." The abstract formulas are made more intelligible when clothed in the garment of concrete reality. The method of study is made clearer by an example of its use. The subject of this article has more than scientific and theoretical interest at this time. The churches of America are awakening to a consciousness of their social responsibility for the possession of vast resources of wealth and influence. New conditions confront them, especially in cities. The population is no longer homogeneous, for all races and religions are crowded together in urban communities. Social classes are more sharply defined and more severely antagonistic. Economic conditions force people apart, crime arises from social friction, public opinion crosses barriers tardily, and spiritual agencies are blocked by unexpected obstacles.
In this new situation we turn to older communities in order to learn from their dearly-bought experience. The experiment which promises most instruction for Protestants in this country
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