Reform

THE outstanding characteristic of Comenius was insuperable optimism concerning human affairs. The blacker he painted the picture of the present the brighter became his vision of the future and his confidence, though at times naÏve, was based on the conviction that human corruption was only superficial. Essentially man was the image of God and all that was necessary was a return to the place from which he had lost his way. ¹ Reform could be immediate; there need not be any waiting for the slow grinding of the mills of God; nor was it sensible to tinker with a system that could be radically altered; nor could the saints look for a safe retreat in heaven where all tears would be wiped away. But it was necessary for all men to ‘hear the whisper of the gentle breeze, bidding them go forward to the mouth of Elijah's cave and hold colloquy with God about the restoration of the ruins’. ² That troubles had so greatly increased was no reason for abandoning attempts – ‘Far from it! While the disease continues, measures for cure must continue. We must redouble our labours and vary our processes’. ³