Every individual must choose his own path. How leave him free to choose in a wide field?
Service, but not authority, must be at hand. What shall the tests of fitness for such service be?
The staff fit for such service must be of rare material and quality.
The members of the staff are instruments of the highest elaboration and most delicate adjustment. The requisite quality of service can only be rendered under fit conditions. It is not a matter of knowledge, conscience and will solely, it is a matter of these things plus insight, sympathy and response. Exhaustion, or an approach to it, discouragement from lack of appreciation, are like a ground wire for loss of power. Body, mind and spirit are all involved in this service. How conserve their strength, well-being and joy?
Unskilled people cannot render fit service. What are the things that matter in training? How far can training be effective.
These are the subjects that your Program Committee has thought it might interest all to consider. Certain leaders will discuss them, each according to his own will and way. In their wisdom and in that of the discussions with which you will follow them will lie all the value of this conference.
Books Consulted: A Short List
Bosanquet, Bernard. The principle of individuality and value. Macmillan. 1912.
Bryce, James. The American Commonwealth. Vol. 2, p. 828, and chapter CII. Macmillan. 1910.
Chesterton, G. K. Manalive. Lane. 1912.