Jesus: The Man and His Work
Foreword
In these days of idol smashing and rapid readjustment of ideals this lecture is most
timely. Delivered at the Auditorium, Cincinnati, November 11, 1905, under the
auspices of the local branch of the Socialist Party, it made so favorable an
impression on certain listeners that they determined to have it printed if Professor
Wattles would furnish the manuscript. This he has done.
The identity between the ethics of real Christianity and Socialism is perfect. The
cornerstone of each is laid in Justice, Equality, Brotherhood. Under the vile and
senseless economic system in vogue these principles cannot be practiced except
through the absolute sacrifice of every material interest. Who can doubt what the
economic attitude of Jesus the carpenter agitator of Nazareth would be were he alive
today!
The Spirit of Christ is not dead, but it no more resides in the modern church than it
did in the church of His day. Where, then, do we find it? Those whose eyes are open
to the truth see in the world-wide revolt of the working class the manifestation of
the real Christianity. In it, they see the dawn of that “Peace on earth, good will to
men” that Jesus proclaimed.
The reader is earnestly enjoined to read this beautiful lecture with open mind.
Prejudice and intolerance are millstones about the neck of aspiring intelligence.
They are a fatal handicap and cannot be discarded too quickly. Do not shy at a
word, like a horse shying at a feather, for one is as ridiculous as the other. A better
day is dawning and no nobler work is presented than to lend a helping hand to the
establishment of an economic system where Christianity can be practiced.
