The history of the modern world is a
record of highly varied activity, of incessant change, and of astonishing
achievement. The lives of men have, during the last few centuries, increasingly
diversified, their powers have greatly multiplied, their powers have greatly
multiplied, their horizon been enormously enlarged. New interests have arisen
in rich profusion to absorb attention and to provoke exertion. New aspirations
and new emotions have come to move the soul of men. Amid all the bewildering phenomena,
interest, in particular, has stood out in clear and growing pre-eminence, has expressed
itself in a multitude of ways and with an emphasis more and more pronounced,
namely, the determination of the race to gain a larger measure of freedom than
it has ever known before, freedom in the life of the intellect and spirit,
freedom in the realm of government and law, freedom in the sphere of economic
and social relationship. A passion that has prevailed so widely, that has transformed
the world so greatly, and is still transforming it, is one that surely merits
study and abundantly rewards it, its operations constitute the very pith and
marrow of modem history.
Not that this passion was unknown to
the long ages that proceeded the modern periods. The ancient Hebrews, the
ancient Greeks and Roman blazed the was leaving behind them a precious heritage
of accomplishments and suggestions and the men who were responsible for the
Renaissance of the fifteenth century and the Reformation of the sixteen century
contributed their imperishable part to this slow and difficult emancipation of
the human race. But it is in modern times the pace and vigour, the scope and
sweep of this liberal movement have so increased unquestionably as to dominate
the age, particularly the last three centuries that have registered great
triumphs of spirit.
The horizon of the lives of men has
been greatly enlarged. What does it mean?
The history of civilization shows how man
always has to choose between making the right and wrong use of the discoveries
of science. This has never been more true than in our own age. In a brief
period amazing discoveries have been made and applied to practical purpose.
It would be ungrateful not to recognize how
immense are the boons which science has given to mankind. It has brought within
the reach of multitudes benefits and advantages which only a short time ago
where the privilege of the few. It has shown how malnutrition, hunger and
disease can be overcome. It has not only
lengthened life but it has depended to his quality. Fields of knowledge,
experience and recreation open in the past only to few, have been thrown open
to million. Through the work of science the ordinary man today has been given
the opportunity of a longer and fuller life than was ever possible to his
grandparents.
Amazing discoveries of science have been made:
