Page:Wrong and Right Methods of Dealing with Social Evil - Elizabeth Blackwell (1883).djvu/82

72 that have become of such vital importance in Europe are of equal import with us.

Here, also, it is becoming evident that the "Let alone system" in regard to social evil can not continue. We are being summoned even now to decide whether "Regulation" or "Repression" shall be the course which we, as a nation, shall pursue. The broad, downward path which leadeth to destruction, vitiating the strong and treading underfoot the helpless and the weak, or the steep, up-hill path, which shall lead us to a higher and purer national life,—a path needing courage and vigilance and devotion to pursue, but leading to assured success—the path of Christian morality—of salvation for one and all.

Let us take courage by perceiving that the struggle is not a hopeless one. It is as a light shining upon us that an example is even now set before us indicating that vice may be restrained; that a way is open to us consistent with morality and religion.

A right national choice, made now and consistently carried out, will rescue from unspeakable evil thousands of helpless children just coming forward into life, and myriads as yet unborn, and shall save our national life and civilization from that sure and swift destruction that inevitably follows from a wrong decision on a matter of vital import.