Adding the natural appeal of the gospel in its simplicity to this favoring democratic environment, there is every reason for optimism concerning immigration, if only American Protestantism prove true to its opportunity and duty. "Ah, but that is a tremendous IF," said a widely known Christian worker to whom this statement was made. "I agree with you as to the favoring conditions, and my only doubt is whether our Christian Churches can be brought to see their duty and do it. So far there are only signs of promise. Our home mission societies are doubtless doing all they can with the slender means furnished by the contributing churches, but they are only playing at the evangelization of these inpouring millions." What could be said in reply? One could not deny present apathy on the part of Protestants at large, whether the cause be ignorance or indifference or want of missionary spirit. One could but declare faith in the prevailing power of Protestantism when the crisis comes. We believe the day is not distant when American Protestantism will present a united front and press forward irresistibly. For the hastening of this day let us pray and work. [Sidenote: The Task of the Ages] Thus the problem always resolves itself to this at last: God has set for American Protestant Christianity the gigantic task of the ages--the home-foreign-mission task--nothing less than the assimilation of all these foreign peoples who find a home on this continent into a common Americanism so that they shall form a composite American nation--Christian, united, free, and great. What could be more glorious than to have part in the solution of this problem? To this supreme service, young men and women of America, you are called of God. What say you: shall it be Alien or American? QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTER VIII AIM: TO MAKE HOPEFUL BEGINNINGS A STRONG INCENTIVE TO GREAT EXPANSION OF CHRISTIAN WORK FOR FOREIGNERS I. _Faults on Both Sides._ 1. What issues hang upon our work for the incoming foreigners? 2. * What barriers must be broken down in order to approach them successfully? 3. What do these immigrants (speaking of them in general terms) possess, and what do they lack, spiritually? 4. Is there a lack in our own personal attitude and feelings toward them? What is it? 5. * If you had come as an average immigrant, what would you be likely to think of "America" and the "Americans"? II. _Missionary Beginnings._ 6. When and where is it most easy to approach the foreigner? What will a "lurking prejudice" do? 7. What Christian workers are there at the ports of entry? Give instances of the results of their labors. 8. Can we possibly rest content with what is now being done on these lines? Why not? 9. * Should all denominations unite in an effort to meet the situation? Will you strive for it?