This is the full text of a speech delivered by Dr. James C. Y. Soong, Director General of the Government Information Office of the Republic of China, at the Tien Educational Center, June 6,1980.

Ladies and Gentlemen and Young Friends:

It is an honor and a pleasure for me to come here to the Tien Educational Center to speak to you today.

First of all, I want to thank Mr. Ma Shu-li for his repeated and kind invitations to address you. He told me that this is a meeting of young friends from universities and colleges. I was encouraged to come and meet you by the sincerity of his call.

For me, this is something new and a venture of boldness. I want to talk to you about Christianity in today's society, and that may be a subject beyond my capabilities.

All of you are aware that some domestic events of the last six months or so have caused concern and stirred discussion at home and abroad. There have been misunderstandings about the government's attitude toward religion. Some people have even asked whether the government will persecute Christians.

Most of you are Christians. I want to talk sincerely and seriously about Christianity in our society.

I am not a Christian, although I was brought up in a religious family. My father was a Buddhist and instilled in me the concept that there was "a divinity three feet above my head." He wanted his children to learn how to cultivate themselves personally and how to conduct themselves privately. My mother and two younger sisters are devout Christians. While attending college, my sisters enthusiastically devoted themselves to campus evangelical fellowship activities.

My wife is a Catholic. We were married in the Catholic Church while studying in the United States. I received six weeks of Catholic instruction and therefore have some understanding of the Christian faith and the teachings of the Bible.

Even before that, I learned Bible stories, verses and hymns from a priest. He was a neighbor of ours when I was a primary school student and invited children to his house. I can still recite the verse: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John. Ⅲ, 16.)

Because I recited well, the priest gave me a prize: a used but attractive American Christmas card. Back in 1951, that was quite a reward for a small child.

A number of my schoolmates and colleagues have been Christians. Most of them have a set of tenets to follow with respect to their outlook on life, their values, their religion and their way of treating people and conducting themselves. I was sometimes curious and asked for explanation and counsel. This gave me a further understanding of the Christian spirit.

There is a prayer I have often heard. Although I don't remember the exact words, it goes like this: "Our Father in Heaven, we pray that you will look after us day in and day out, safeguard us and make us wise enough to understand your precious teachings. We pray that you will give us the strength to live up to your expectations of us. We also pray that you will teach each of us personally so that we can progress day by day and so that our utterances, behavior and thought will befit the way of Christianity and enable us to walk in your ways."

I was moved by this prayer and was especially interested in definition of the Christian way and in what people must do to be called "children of God."

My Christian kin and friends have explained to me that the Christian way means to conduct one's self and speak and act in accordance with the precepts of the Bible, thereby setting an example for others. They referred me to the Bible, from which I have discovered that the greatest fulfillment is to love God with all one's heart and after that to love others as yourself.

As a "gentile," I have arrived at some other conclusions. To be a Christian, I think it is supremely important to understand love. The Christian should love not only the God in which he believes and which he worships but also his brothers and sisters in Christ and all others.

Love is a wonderful and warm word. It can transform disquiet to harmony and bad to good. It can nurture all God's creatures and fill the world with brightness and hope. Love must not be misunderstood or abused. The misuse of love can undermine the most harmonious of human relations and disturb the peace and order of nations and societies.

The issuances of a political "declaration" by the Presbyterian Church of this country have led to disputation. Should Christians participate in politics? If so, to what extent? How can politics and religion be coordinated? People from many walks of life have shown concern about these questions.

After the Kaohsiung incident, a Presbyterian minister and some of his colleagues were tried on charges of helping Shih Ming-teh (one of the ringleaders in the riot) escape. This focuses new attention of the life, utterances, conduct and political participation of Christians and missionaries.

Some of the people in our society may not fully understand Christianity. They may think that one minister can represent the whole Presbyterian Church, which in turn may represent the whole of the Christian faith and the totality of Christians. Some newspapers, magazines, television channels and radio stations have given voice to people who accuse the Christians of accepting foreign control and of harboring "improper political ambitions."

This led to declarations by many domestic denominations asserting that they had no relationship with the Presbyterian Church and calling on Christians more attention to spiritual cultivation and less to political participation.

As a result of my contacts with Christians, and possibly also because of the shallowness of my understanding of Christianity, I have been concerned about the situation. I think the image of Christianity and Christians has been misunderstood and distorted. This is too bad. During my work, foreigners often ask me about the religious policy of our country and the government's point of view on Christian activities. I have been troubled by the fact that I have to discuss and explain these things so often.

As you are aware, our country has religious freedom. The Constitution specifically provides that the people shall have freedom of religious belief. Orthodox religions have complete respect in our country. Religious activities have been steadily increasing. How could anyone think that we would suppress religion or persecute Christians?

But as I have said, some people in this country misunderstand Christianity and Christians. Then, too, there are those abroad who doubt our government's implementation of freedom of religion. I think these matters are in urgent need of clarification. Perhaps I am not competent to do so, but I hope I can effect some "rectification of views" on this occasion.

All of us know that constructive beliefs and firm faith are very important to human life. The devoted and steadfast mind can overcome selfish desires and generate unconquerable strength.

A man who believes in his religion is blessed. He can hope to live a more solid and constructive life than nonbelievers; he can have peace of mind and reason to rejoice. I think you have greater experience and a clearer understanding of this than I do. I believe it is with grateful minds that you join in Christian fellowship, propagate the gospel to your schoolmates and enthusiastically spread the "tidings of good news."

In our modern political history, there have been two great men--the National Father, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, and the late President Chiang Kai-shek. Both were devoted Christians. The late President sowed the seeds of the gospel in a quiet and inconspicuous way. He said: "I take pleasure in persuading people to read the Bible, which speaks in the voice of the Holy Ghost." He suggested on many occasions that non-Christians read Streams in the Desert so they might have belief and faith in difficult and lonely moments and thereby overcome their difficulties.

Considering that belief is so important to life and such a positive good, Christians should have great faith, hope and love. Possibly they should be more enthusiastic than others in social activities to serve the people and more concerned with politics.

The separation of religion from politics has been debated for centuries. Until modern times, the conclusion was usually that religious proselytes might participate in politics but not use religion to interfere with government. This was similar to the attitude toward the military, which might participate in politics but not use the gun to interfere with government.

Men of the cloth, military personnel and politicians should take part in the administration of the people's affairs only as members of society. If they use their organizations as the capital of political participation and show bias in their political advocacies, the rights and well-being of the majority will be harmed. This will be both unreasonable and harmful to the nation and society.

In past years, my Christian relatives and friends have spoken to me along this line: "Christian faith is a force that encourages people to go forward instead of retreating to find consolation or spiritual attachments." This being the case, I think the Christians should not hide themselves in churches to seek spiritual cultivation and give no attention to mundane affairs. On the contrary, a Christian should enter into society, and relying on his greater wisdom and strength, should play his varying roles well in the different stages of his life or at the same time.

At one and the same time, you may be a student, a son or daughter, tutor, sister or brother, somebody's boy friend or girl friend, a worker for evangelical fellowship, etc. As a Christian, you have prayed to the God in which you believe to give you wisdom and capability. I think you have every reason for success.

By the same token, Christians and members of the clergy are not to be blamed for feeling that as members of society they should be concerned about politics and the reform of society. There are, however, the preconditions that they should possess more love and goodwill than non-Christians and that they should be prudent in their active political participation.

Compared with those who have no religious beliefs, Christians and members of the clergy must shoulder greater responsibility because they are also responsible to Almighty God and have accepted a higher plane of religious ethics than is required by the laws of society. To take part in political deliberation or to act as the spokesman of God will not befit the Christian way of life but rather will humiliate the God that is worshiped.

We may cite the example of the few church people who issued the recent political "declaration." They have been criticized in society for "urging the government to make Taiwan a new and independent country." Recently they were involved in legal proceedings because they were suspected of helping Shih Ming-teh escape. These occurrences have not been helpful to our country and society.

Of those arrested for covering up for Shih Ming-teh, the Christians said they did so because they have "loving hearts" and were unwilling to see him arrested and brought to trial.

Although Shih has been convicted, the fact he committed the crime of sedition is not a subject for personal judgment and criticism. The duty of a modern citizen is to respect the rule of law and leave justice to the judicial authorities.

Looking at the problem from another point of view, are we to protect a person if we consider him to be innocent and lynch him if we privately judge him to be guilty?

If we decline to respect the dignity of the law, approve of lynchings and indulge in private punishments, we shall be interfering with law enforcement and the judicial authorities in the exercise of their legitimate legal functions. This will have a bad effect on society and the country.

As for a loving heart, we are not questioning anyone's love of society. But to protect Shih Ming-teh while plunging society into an atmosphere of doubt and suspicion is contrary, I think, to the objective meaning of love. Only Shih was "loved," although he was wanted on suspicion of instigating violence. These church people sent no one to console the wounded and hospitalized among the 183 security personnel injured in the Kaohsiung incident. Is it any wonder that some people asked critically: "What kind of love is this?"

There is a story that a hunter was pursuing the leader of a pack of wolves that had raided a flock of sheep. Meanwhile, the shepherd was protecting the wolf pack leader at his house. Is this to be called love?

After the arrest of a few members of the Presbyterian Church on charges of providing refuge for Shih, the Church issued an internal statement approving the stand of its clergyman as "showing concern for the country's future and the people's welfare with matchless courage and love." The Chinese have always attached importance to loyalty and filial piety. At the same time, they consider "foolish loyalty" and "foolish filial piety" as futile. Today we feel bewildered and distressed at the showing of "foolish courage" and "foolish love" growing out of misunderstanding about the country's direction and future.

Recently, in handling expressions of concern by the United Presbyterian Church with regard to the Republic of China's religious situation, I have been turning the pages of the Bible and think I have come to have some understanding of Christian "love."

There are many verses in the Bible about "love." To quote a few of them: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John.ⅩⅢ 34 - 35.) "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ." (Ephesians. Ⅳ, 15.) "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians. Ⅳ, 1-3.) "He who does not love does not know God; for God is love." (John. Ⅳ, 8.) "If any one says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar, for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." (John. Ⅳ, 20.) "Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not rejoicing at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends . . . . " (Corinthians. ⅩⅢ, 4-8.)

These are the verses I have found. Pondering them, we can find that Christian love is pure, bright, just, selfless, hateless and for all. On the contrary, anything that is biased, narrow, distorted and bears a specific purpose cannot be considered "love" but rather will contaminate the word of God.

Love is the most important of the Christian concepts. The Bible says: "...If there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (Romans. ⅩⅢ, 9.) The church should be a place where the seeds of love and not those of hate are sown. It is not a place where provincialism is used to instigate dispute and factionalism and give rise to problems.

The Book of Revelation (Ⅱ,4) says: "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first." It seems to me that this verse can be applied to the few church people in Taiwan who have distorted the word "love." For a specific purpose, they love only Shih Ming-teh and not the people. Some of the people have criticized this as a kind of "foolish love" growing out of an incorrect interpretation of love.

I have also found in the Bible many precepts about "harmony." As I see it, Christians should act as the "light" and "salt" and sow the seeds of love among other people. Acting as lubricants, they should transform perversity and dispute into harmonious and peaceful relationships.

To illustrate, I should like to quote these verses: "So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first to be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew. V, 23-24.) "For the kingdom of God does not mean food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans. ⅩⅣ, 17.) "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and house falls upon house." (Luke. ⅩⅠ, 17.)

Aside from the Bible, similar ideas are to be found in Chinese sayings. For example: "With harmonious relations in the family, everything will prosper." As you know, there is no perfect man in this world. A government organized by people cannot be satisfactory in every respect.

To be frank, our government and country have some defects. Following the philosophy of "the greater the love, the stronger the criticism," people may make constructive suggestions that the government improve itself. If reforms are insufficient or too slow, the people may resort to further suggestions or criticisms. This is justifiable. The government is ours and organized to administer our affairs. We should feel concerned about government and seek its improvement. However, if anyone creates problems and instigates disputes out of a philosophy of "never mind the turmoil," or disseminates unfavorable and groundless remarks for overseas consumption, he will be acting contrary to the dictates of "love" and "harmony."

Last December, a publication of the United Presbyterians carried an article on the Republic of China entitled: "Labor Cheap, Freedom Costly." An illustration shows some girls in a primary school class for retarded children doing handicraft work to help improve their manual and mental coordination. Look at the picture I am holding and you can see that these are not factory girls. But the caption reads: "In Taiwan, girls begin work when 10 years old, often working up to 12 or 15 hours a day. By the time many of them are 20, their health is broken."

The article included these poisoned words: "... Relationships between native Taiwanese and mainlanders are, at best, strained." "...Polarization of rich and poor." "There has been tremendous economic progress in Taiwan in the last decade, but it has primarily benefited foreign multinational corporations and the wealthy. The economic miracle has been achieved by cheap labor. . . Labor costs $50 (about NT$2,000) a month." The article also said our government "sometimes helps U.S. multinational corporations by closing schools early so there will be more labor."

All of us are aware that in our country schools are not closed early to let the children sell their cheap labor. We have a cooperation project between schools and factories. But this is set up for junior high school students who are not going on to senior high school and gives them opportunity to learn a skill.

Most foreigners cannot distinguish among Orientals by looking at their faces. They also cannot tell by looking at this picture that the faces and IQs of these young girls differ from those of ordinary people. This picture was used to distort the image of the Republic of China and present it as a country which cares nothing for the health of children, and which would destroy the young buds of the nation: a land without progress, without love, a land of foolishness and stupidity. Many of you here are teenage girls; there are tens of thousands of others. You are in good health and did not start to work at the age of ten. When you hear this do you feel, as I did, pained at heart?

The Government Information Office wrote asking for a correction. The answer claimed that the article was written as a result of on-the-spot investigation in Taiwan. The article said one of the principal interviews was a Chinese clergyman of the Taiwan Presbyterian Church.

We are perplexed by this untrue report of the United Presbyterians and this conduct of a clergyman. What benefits did this hold for the more than 17 million people of our country? This article only humiliated and pained us deep.

The Bible says: "... On the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matthew. ⅩⅡ, 36-37.) "Let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day ..." (Romans. ⅩⅢ, 13.) "Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth ..." (2 Corinthians. Ⅳ, 1-2.) "Therefore, putting away falsehood, let everyone speak the truth with his neighbor. . . Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. . . Let all bitterness and wrath and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tender-hearted." (Ephesians. Ⅳ, 25-32.) ". . . But now you are light in the Lord; (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true) . . . Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness." (Ephesians. Ⅴ, 8-11.) "Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord." (Colossians. Ⅲ, 22.) "Holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made shipwreck of their faith." (Timothy. Ⅰ, 19.) "And sound speech that cannot be censured... But to show entire true fidelity, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior." (Titus. Ⅱ, 8-10). If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain." (James. Ⅰ, 26.)

From these verses, you must have come to understand that besides love and harmony, sincerity and faithfulness are also inherent in Christianity.

I regret that a clergyman should have provided false information. I also regret that a worldwide church organization such as the United Presbyterians should have distorted their reporting. It is difficult to discern their motives and purposes. We can, however, be sure that this conduct has violated the precepts of the Bible. One of the Ten Commandments says: "You shall not bear false witness."

I think my Christian friends here understand even more clearly than I do that "sincerity" and "faithfulness" are important and precious to the Christian faith. The clergyman should have had even better understanding of these two concepts and have lived up to them. Unfortunately, we have seen and heard these many things which are in conflict with the Bible. As the Bible truly says: "What does it profit... if a man says he has faith but has not works?" (James. Ⅱ, 14.)

Perhaps I have spoken too sternly and sharply. I know that "not to judge others" is one of the important teachings of Jesus Christ. However, a few church people have gone too far in their utterances and behavior, thereby bringing troubles and difficulties to a country which already faces a difficult situation. Such conduct "pains friends and relatives and pleases enemies." It can scarcely be allowed to stand without answer.

Many of my Christian friends here have had more experience of this kind of thing than I. The reckless utterances and behavior of a few clergymen have led to a misunderstanding of Christianity and Christians by many people in our society who do not know the real situation. This cannot be explained to all of them and can only lead to heaviness of heart.

We would not like to see other denominations take a position against those who have erred and accuse and condemn them. Our country needs tranquillity and harmony. Only thus can construction be expedited and progress assured. Harassment and dispute among us can only divide our strength and our ability to move ahead.

At the same time, it is obvious that these clergymen are familiar with the teachings of the Bible. I think they are also aware that the words of the Bible can be distorted but that this is wrong. The Bible says: "From the same mouth come blessing and cursing . . . This ought not to be so." (James. Ⅲ, 10.) And "They profess to know God, but they deny him by their deeds; they are detestable, disobedient..." (Titus. Ⅰ, 16.)

In recent years, a church periodical has lost no opportunity to criticize the government. No attention has been paid to the fact that forgiveness and consideration are basic to the Christian faith. Also overlooked is the necessity of Christians perfecting themselves so as to sublimate their souls and maintain close communications with God. As the Bible says: "Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? ... first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." (Matthew. Ⅶ, 3 and 5.)

The Bible also says: "But you stand fast only through faith. So do not become proud." (Romans. ⅩⅠ 20.) I think also of this point: That these few church people who have been suspected and arrested had devoted themselves to the service of God and the propagation of the gospel. Surely they were blessed and rose in the church and had some supporters. But having established their position, they gradually became proud, departed from their past pious devotion and no longer followed the true path.

To his servants, God may adopt this attitude: "And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct. They were filled with all manner of wickedness. . . Full of envy. . . strife, deceit, malignity. . . slanderers. . . inventors of evil." (Romans. I, 28-30.)

Only a step farther, and this may be possible: "A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who utters lies will not escape." (Proverbs. ⅠⅩⅩ, 5.) And "You shall not take the name of your Lord God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain." (Exodus. XX, 7.)

Most of us have perceived that in life there are not many strokes of good fortune, that hard work lies behind success and that all of us must pay for our mistakes.

I am confident that our government will never and should not arrest or refrain from arresting anyone because of any special status. By the same token, our government will never and should never let anyone get off free or not get off free solely out of political considerations. A country has its laws just as a family has its rules. The government may let a liar go unpunished, but the judicial authorities are entitled to handle and must take up a case involving those who are suspected of seriously challenging the state and the dignity of the law by harboring a criminal with a high price on his head. How can such a case not be handled in accordance with law merely because clergymen are involved or foreign influence has been brought to bear.

At this point I want to cite a foreign case.

U.S. intervention in Vietnam produced many radicals. Father Philip Berrigan was one of the best known. On October 27, 1967, and May 17, 1968, he led a crowd into the Baltimore City Hall to sabotage and destroy military service files. As a result, he was sentenced to prison terms of 6 years in the first case and 5/2 years in the second on charges of plotting to destroy government property.

This Catholic father retained many distinguished lawyers to defend him. He appealed to the Supreme Court, which upheld the original judgments. Before serving one of his sentences he fled but was caught by the FBI after 12 days. He was paroled December 20, 1973, after serving 5 years and 2 months.

While in prison, this Catholic father frequently communicated with his secret wife, a sister named McAlister. Sister McAlister supplied him with various materials and information about anti-war activities. He, in turn, issued his directives from the prison. A jury later found Berrigan and Elizabeth McAlister guilty of illegal letter-smuggling.

From this case, we can see that clerics who commit crimes in the United States will be subject to the penalties of law and that the church will not protect them.

The Bible says: "For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned. . ." (2 Peter. Ⅱ, 4) The Bible also says: ". . . Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid. . ." (Romans. ⅩⅢ, 3-4.)

Christians and clergymen make up a privileged group who can go into the presence of God to obtain wisdom and strength and thereby remain in the right and on life's smooth track. But if they cannot keep their hearts clean and pure to let God in, and if they cannot serve God as the master, Satan will slip in and destroy their faith. If this happens, they will deviate from God's way and move farther and farther away from God until they perish and rot.

Many Christian friends have told me: "No evil can be permanently concealed in their world. God will test a man's heart and check his intentions. God will search out the untold story concealed in darkness and expose the motives of evil. Everything that is concealed will be bared and nothing will remain uncovered." Some of them believe God is disciplining a group of his wayward children for taking advantage of the case of Shih Ming-teh. As I am not a Christian, I should not make unsupported surmises about God's intentions. I do believe and insist that if a man has made a mistake, he must pay for it, and that if a worker of God has made a mistake, he should be disciplined by God.

I recognize that the handful of Christian figures who have become enmeshed in a legal case and detained will be isolated from the people and mundane affairs until the final judgement is made. In this time of quiet, these figures may reach into the depths of their hearts, restore their communications with God, hear God's whisper and obtain his enlightenment and leadership. Maybe this will provide a turning point in the lives of these people. Maybe they will take this opportunity to purify their hearts and return to the presence of God. Maybe they can rededicate themselves to the pursuit of religious truth, be summoned and blessed by God and become his competent workers once again.

I regard churchgoers' prayers for such people as a normal expression of humanity. The quietness of prayer and the waiting for and receiving of blessings are good. To pray for God's help and guidance for the few who have lost their way is an expression of love. If there are 99 sheep and one is missing, the shepherd must not cease trying to find it.

My Christian friends also told me that when a group meets in the name of God, God must be there with them. If one follows the Lord's wishes, the Lord will assure his success. I am sure that when Christians meet and pray, God is there to listen. But we must make sure what we seek is consistent with God's wishes, so he can help us succeed. This, I think, is the point that Christians who pray for others must think over and over. If one's words and deeds are not honest and sincere, God will be disgraced and will surely discipline him. When one is disciplined, he will be unhappy. He will feel pain but will know until later that this is good. The Bible says: ". . . God does not listen to sinners, but if any one is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him." (John. Ⅸ, 31)

This is a non-Christian's analysis of the trouble and controversy caused by a few church people. What is the constructive way to remove or resolve the problem?

In my way of thinking, the prescription is to be found in "love." Love will not hurt the people. Love is the backbone of virtue. Love is the source of harmony. You know this better than I. So I hope you Christians will take up this responsibility.

If all of you scatter seeds of love in every corner of society, your contribution to the country and society will be immense.

The Bible says: "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans. ⅩⅡ 9-10.) This true, unadulterated love is urgently needed in our society.

Although some church people have made controversial statements and a few have been detained on charges of violating the law, the government will never rejoice and say gloatingly: "Now I've got you!" A controversy is always a setback for the unity of a country and will have an undesirable effect.

In the church and in society, we should do our best to avoid factionalism and the pursuit of independent objectives. We should seek correct goals and promote the happiness of the majority. The Bible says: ". . . Those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves t deeds . . . But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned." (Titus. Ⅲ, 8-11.) The Bible also says: "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This wisdom is not such as come down from above. . . For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty. . ." (James. Ⅲ, 14-17.)

Jealousy and prejudice are likely to cause controversy and trouble, but total unselfishness and fraternal forgiveness can settle controversy, repair the schism and heal the trauma.

I must reiterate that we have been deeply distressed by recent events. We have never had smug flings when people must be punished. I have been deeply pained and worried. South Vietnam had the most modern U.S. military equipment before its fall but could not resist internal strife and schism. David defeated Goliath with a slingshot and faith. Confidence and cohesion are indispensable for any country. Internal strife will provide foreigners with an excuse for intervention and may give the enemy opportunity to exploit weakness. With such grave consequences, how can we not consider them in advance?

Society has misunderstood the Christians and it is not easy to restore their bright image. But I am sure you have confidence in emerging victorious.

Let me repeat: We have recognized the effects of belief and the purity and goodness of Christian faith. The trouble is that a small number of Christians has distorted the people's impression.

In the case of the Presbyterian church, I know that Presbyterian missionaries first brought the gospel to Taiwan. In the last 100 years and longer, they have built in Taiwan churches, hospitals, schools, orphanages and homes for the aged. The Presbyterian Church has contributed tremendously to social services and public welfare while engaging in religious activities.

It is certainly unfair for the public to negate such a time-honored church and its contributions merely because of the misdeeds of a handful of people. I urge you not to indulge in a blanket negation because of the wrong words and deeds of the few. Such an indictment would be infantile and could only lead to schism.

Besides, you should strive to restore the correct image of Christianity. Many of you are Christians and ambassadors of Christ. "God entrusts to you the message of reconciliation and wants to reconcile people of the world through you." (Corinthians. Ⅵ, 19-20.) You are a new force. I hope you can extend your faith to your families and in your schools, society and the country. In the end, you can resolve the problems which have recently occurred in our country. This is why we have called on the people "to heal, not to hate."

The Bible says: "Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen God." (John. Ⅰ, 11.) The Bible also says: "Put away all malice and . . . insincerity and envy and all slander." (Peter. Ⅱ, 1.) The Bible asks: "Why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and not do what I tell you?" (Luke. Ⅵ, 46.) And "The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God; happy is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves." (Romans. ⅩⅣ, 22.)

A really blessed man must be peaceful and happy, conscientious and honest. This is what we Chinese mean in saying: "Never be ashamed whether when you look up to the sky or down to the earth." I believe it is not difficult for a man who believes in Christ to admit his weakness before God, often to beseech wisdom and strength from God and always to be ready to do good things.

We expect clergymen to carry out the biblical instructions to: ". . . set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Do not neglect the gift you have . . . Practice these duties . . . so that all may see you progress. Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." (Timothy. Ⅳ, 12-16.) The Bible also says "he must hold firm to the sure word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine . . ." (Titus. Ⅰ, 9.) And "Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity . . . and sound speech that cannot be censured . . ." (Titus. Ⅱ, 7-8.)

I want to apologize for my brashness. I am not qualified to discuss the functions and duties of preachers. I have expressed my personal views and my expectations of clergymen only because of the problems I have cited.

In brief, we eagerly hope Christians and their clergy will join in efforts to restore the rightful public impression of Christianity. Moreover, we hope prayers of Christians for those who have gone astray will move God to help them return to the right track and again carry on their search for faith, regain their strength and conduct themselves soundly in keeping with their repentance.

In this respect, I want to cite two more passages from the Bible: "Do you suppose . . . you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not know that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Romans. Ⅱ, 3-4.) And "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." (Psalms. LI, 17.)

I hope the clergymen who have been detained for complicity in harboring Shih Ming-teh will give some thought to these words. All of us hope they will return to the right way of Christianity and once again become good and beloved servants of God.

One of my friends of the clergy told me: "I am a preacher and know nothing but preaching. I am sure that if I am faithful to preaching, my work will help society and the country." I was moved by these words. Yet there is nothing wrong with clerics participating in social work and showing concern about politics. As I have already said, we hope every one will give more thought to these things and be prudent in action.

You are young and have a long way to go. With your excellent qualifications and the blessings of God, I am sure you will have a promising future. But it is not enough to keep yourselves pure. You must serve as the light and salt among the people so as to purify society and promote the harmony and cohesion necessary for the development and growth of our country.

Finally, I must repeat that I am not a Christian and know little of the Bible and Christian philosophy. Even so, I believe in the power of Christ to persuade men to do right and move forward righteously. I have been prompted by the unfavorable influence of the Shih Ming-teh case on the Presbyterian Church, Christianity and society as a whole and have risked discussing a topic that is beyond my depth.

My family, friends and colleagues have helped me and provided me with some of the materials to which I have referred. I have made an effort to read the Bible but do not claim the quotations given are appropriate. Your counsel and comments will be welcome.

Although I still am not a believer, I must say that in my preparations for these remarks, I have been deeply moved by the Bible. This is a good and holy book that can help us in our thinking. I feel that many of the lessons of the Bible are consistent with our Chinese philosophy of benevolence, forgiveness, faithfulness and sincerity.

Thank you for your presence. I have taken too much of your valuable time. Because many of you are Christians, I want to reiterate my hope you can demonstrate the spirit of "sacrifice before others." If so, you will project your faith through your lives and make your Christian image steadily clearer. I hope we can join in restoring the splendid image of Christianity.

Lastly, I want to give you the following advice as my gift of love to you: Love people, love yourselves, love your country and strive endlessly for dignity, confidence and self-reliance. These few simple words can be regarded as pointing out the broad highway leading to the development of and reliance on self.

Thank you and good night.

[Picture Caption]

Left: The full-house audience concentrates on listening to the speech by Dr. James Soong, director-general of the Government Information Office. Right: Dr. Soong delivers his address.

Dr. Soong with young students attending the lecture.

After the speech, Dr. Soong fielded many questions from the audience.

Dr. Soong surrounded by more students.

Dr. Soong delivers his address.

Dr. Soong with young students attending the lecture.

fter the speech, Dr. Soong fielded many questions from the audience.

Dr. Soong surrounded by more students.