110 INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND WAGES

standard of living, and ethical, democratic relations between
its members, but, above all, consideration of the child.

ATTITUDE OF THE CHURCHES

Since the close of the World War, the churches, without
 regard to denomination, have issued declarations in
favor of the living-wage principle. Some typical expressions
 are as follows:

THE BAPTIST CHURCH?!

The determination of a national minimum provision for a
living income.

FEDERAL COUNCIL OF THE CHURCHES OF
CHRIST IN AMERICAZ2

Wage levels must be high enough to maintain a standard
of living worthy of responsible free citizenship in a
democracy.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH?

We favor an equitable wage for laborers, which shall have
the right of way over rent, interest and profits.

THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC WAR COUNCIL?

Even if the great majority of workers were now in receipt
of more than living wages, there are no good reasons why
rates of pay should be lowered. After all, a living wage is
not necessarily the full measure of justice. All the Catholic
authorities on the subject explicitly declare that this is only
the minimum of justice. In a country as rich as ours, there
1 “The Principles of Social Reconstruction; Social Service Committee of
the Northern Baptist Convention.” From Folder No. 28, published by the
American Baptist Publication Society.
2 The Church and Social Reconstruction: Federal Council of the Churches
of Christ in America. Second Section of Statement.
3 Pastoral Letter by the Board of Bishops of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. From The Christian Advocate, New York, May 22, 1919.
4 “Social Reconstruction,” Reconstruction Pamphlets No. 1, National Catholic
 War Council, January, 1919, pp. 14-15,