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As a member of the Church, the Christian finds that he is taught an ideal which is spiritual
and ethical. History demonstrates that progress comes from free voluntary institutions when
they are protected by a strong State and inspired by a strong Church, which points to higher
things. In so far as the members of the Church can demonstrate in their own lives something
of the example of Christ, they are better able corporately to influence the moral standards and
ethical ideals of the community in which they are placed. Its exceptional members, acting in
the ways which a Shaftesbury or a Wilberforce would have done, may be in the vanguard of
reforming movements and philanthropic progress. In this way some of the best service to the
community has hitherto been assured. Political and social circles were leavened by those who
proved to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. When such private institutions
have grown to strength and influence they have been replaced by the public and the corporate
organisations. Hence, the best government and the most beneficent forms of progress are
believed to come through gifted individuals, who have learnt the art of leading and governing.
They need to be assisted and supervised by a small body of well-informed equals. Ultimately
they must be controlled by an elected assembly, which adequately represents the community
which is being served.
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