CHAPTER XIII.
CO-OPERATION _Children of men! the Unseen Power, whose eye_ _For ever doth accompany mankind,_ _Hath looked on no religion scornfully_ _That man did ever find._ -- MATTHEW ARNOLD.
This is not the place to discuss the merits or demerits of any theological views or of any system of Church government, but the question of the influence of religion on the life of the State and the way in which and conditions under which it can be rightly exercised cannot be overlooked.

There is no doubt whatever that religious influence might be a most potent and useful factor in Reconstruction, using the word in the broadest sense.

There are some branches of work in which no other known influence can effect what is required.

Leaving aside for the moment the fact that there are needs of humanity which religion alone can satisfy, and looking only to social improvement, the power of religion has been proved again and again, especially in dealing with the cases that seem most difficult and almost hopeless.

In India, for example, there are certain debased tribes which are habitually criminal, and have, in fact, by tradition devoted themselves to the commission of crime.