Part 4 (1/2)
The best method of dealing with crime is that of prevention. The work of protecting society against crime should begin with arousing parents to the sense of their responsibilities and by training them thoroughly in the duties of parenthood. Philanthropic agencies, the church, the schools, the State, may do much both by training character and by removing temptation. The maintenance of good economic conditions, provision for wholesome amus.e.m.e.nts, improved sanitation, all tend to remove pernicious influences and strengthen the power of resistance to temptation. The public press and the theatre, which are at times exceedingly harmful agencies, may be and should be transformed into active moral forces. In furthering all these reform measures and preventive movements each individual has a personal responsibility, and, as an active citizen, he may render most important service. The home, the school, the church and the State, all touch the individual on every side and create and together control the influences that make or unmake character.
_Questions for Further Consideration_.
What was the effect of Cain's anger upon his own life?
Gladstone said, ”I do not have time to hate anybody.”
In what way do anger and hatred hamper one's greatest usefulness?
Do you believe in the modern theories regarding the effect of jealousy and hatred upon the body?
Is capital punishment at times a necessity?
What is the most effective argument which can be used to restore honor and manhood to a criminal?
Is there any particular agency at work in your community to a.s.sist men who have committed crimes?
Is the chief object of punishment to avenge the wrong, to punish the criminal, to deter others from committing similar crimes, or to reclaim the wrong-doer?
_Subjects for Further Study_.
(1) The Effect of the Semitic Law of Blood-revenge upon (_a_) the criminal, (_b_) society and (_c_) possible criminals. Kent, _Israel's Laws and Legal Precedents_, 91, 114-116; Smith, _Religion of the Semites_, 72, 420.
(2) Mrs. Ballington Booth's Work for Released Prisoners. _After Prison--What_?
(3) The Practical Effects of the Indeterminate Sentence. Reports of the Prison Reform a.s.sociation.
(4) Influence of Contract Prison Labor. American Magazine, 1912, Jan., Feb., Mar., April.
STUDY IV
THE SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.
THE STORY OF THE GREAT FLOOD.--Gen. 6-8.
_Parallel Readings_.
Hist. Bible I, 52-65.
Darwin, _Origin of Species_; Wallace, _Darwinism_; 3. William Dawson, _Modern Ideas of Evolution_; Article _Evolution_ in leading encyclopedias.
When Jehovah saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every purpose in the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually, it was a source of regret that he had made man on the earth and it grieved him to his heart. Therefore Jehovah said, I will destroy from the face of the ground man whom I have created, for I regret that I have made mankind.
Then Jehovah said to Noah, enter thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee I have found righteous before me in this generation.
And Noah did according to all that Jehovah commanded him.
Then Jehovah destroyed everything that existed upon the face of the ground, both man and animals, and creeping things, and birds of the heavens, so that they were destroyed from the earth; and Noah only was left and they who were with him in the ark.--Gen. 6:5-8; 7:1, 5, 23 (_Hist. Bible_).
And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing with G.o.d; for he that cometh to G.o.d must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him. By faith Noah, being warned of G.o.d concerning things not seen as yet, moved with G.o.dly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.--_Heb. 11:6, 7_.