RECONCILIATION THROUGH SCHWEITZER SIR, —Your inspiring article by George Seaver appearing
in The Spectator of January 12th is probably the best proof of how Germans and French can be reconciled, for although Albert Schweitzer was born in Alsace, yet he was the eldest son of a Lutheran pastor, but did not believe or teach the erroneous doctrines of Martin Luther (to whom the gloomy Dean rightly traces Germany's troubles). Since Luther's day Greek scholars such as Tischendorf in Germany or Westcott and Hort in England have rendered the last word of Luke II, 14, of the Greek Testament f 6801Na f in the genitive case (instead of the dative). So the verse may be translated: " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will."
Intelligent Germans claim Albert Schweitzer. 'They admire his "robust personality and marvellously Christ-like character." That testi- nionial in itself (apart altogether from his academic qualifications) is pos- sibly the greatest compliment that could be paid to anybody. For this reason I propose that your article be reprinted in German, and io,000 copies distributed freely in Germany soon after the war. I would be willing to contribute to the expense of your doing so. And I think other interested readers of The Spectator would endorse my plan. If you should consider my proposal favourably let me suggest (as a brief addition) your drawing attention to the fact that The Decay and Restoration of Civilisation contains some truths taught by Rudolf Eucken of Jena ; some of the beauty in Professor Wood's Christianity an4 Civilisation ; and some of the goodness in the Rev. Dr. Major's Basic Christianity ; and Dr. Inge's Lenten book, The Gate of Life. Thus the three philosophical standards of value are blended in the tripartite attributes of the Gospel in action. So from a psychological point of view you might influence intellectual Germans not only to study Albert Schweitzer, and perhaps follow his example, but also Rudolf Eucken's books, especially The Meaning and Value of Life.—Faithfully and truly yours, F. W. MACCAUD. 3522 Point Grey Road, Vancouver, B.C.
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