![]() ![]() The German juggernaut had overrun Austria, Czechoslovakia, France, Belgium, Holland, Norway, Russia. I should like to repeat the words of Winston Churchill spoken exactly thirty-three years ago today. There have been dark days in every nation. There is too much fruitless, carping criticism of America. Is it not a miracle that through these two centuries of time our system of government has remained intact, our Constitution has held while storms have beaten about us from within and without? In a few months we shall celebrate the two hundredth anniversary of the founding of the nation. Of it, the great Gladstone said, “As the British Constitution is the most subtle organism which has proceeded from progressive history, so the American Constitution is the most wonderful work ever struck off at a give time by the brain and purpose of man” (“Kin Beyond the Sea,” North American Review, September 1878). The Constitution under which we live is the keystone of our nation. To me it is a miracle, a creation of the Almighty. But surely this is a good land, a choice land, a chosen land. We have heard so much of them for so long. No land is without its beauty, no people without their virtues, and I hope that you who come from elsewhere will pardon my saying a few words concerning my own native land, America. ![]() I have marveled at the beauty of the earth, the wonder and magnificence of God’s creations, as I have seen them in every part of the world. I appreciate your people, their innate goodness, their art, their industry, their strength. I think I have been in all of the lands from which you come. I know that there are many here who come from other lands. I should like to say a few words about America. When I was a boy our father often said to us:ĭoubters do not achieve. What I am suggesting and asking is that we turn from the negativism that so permeates our society and look for the remarkable good in the land and times in which we live, that we speak of one another’s virtues more than we speak of one another’s faults, that optimism replace pessimism, that our faith exceed our fears. Clever expression that is sincere and honest is a skill to be sought and cultivated. I am not suggesting that our conversation be all honey and blossoms. Wise is the man who can acknowledge mistakes pointed out by others and change his course. I am not asking that all criticism be silenced. I am suggesting that we “accentuate the positive.” I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment virtue and effort. I come this morning with a plea that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. Even in the Church it sows the seed of inactivity and finally apostasy. Criticism is the forerunner of divorce, the cultivator of rebellion, sometimes a catalyst that leads to failure. In our homes wives weep and children finally give up under the barrage of criticism leveled by husbands and fathers. The snide remark, the sarcastic gibe, the cutting down of associates-these, too often, are of the essence of our conversation. In many instances this spirit has become the very atmosphere of university campuses. To hear tell these days, there is nowhere a man of integrity among those holding political office. Criticism, fault-finding, evil speaking-these are of the spirit of the day. The tragedy is that this spirit is epidemic. Said I, “Surely this is the age and place of the gifted pickle sucker.” At the conclusion of that week, I too made a negative observation. With studied art they poured out the sour vinegar of invective and anger, judging as if all wisdom belonged to them. The columnists were masters of the written word. They were men of incisive language, scintillating in expression. In all that week of morning watching and reading I never heard nor read among the commentators and editorialists a single paragraph of positive thought. The amount of venom that spewed from the mouths and pens of the commentators was unbelievable. President Ford had just granted a pardon to his predecessor. Each morning I watched the early news on television and then read the morning paper while eating breakfast. Recently I spent the better part of a week in Washington, D.C., living in a hotel room. I ask that the Lord will help me to say something that will help you. It is good to be here with you this morning, my dear young friends. ![]()
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