To those
who do not want a share in the governing power, it is all the same
who wields it. You see, human nature remains the same, and its
organization alters only very gradually, almost imperceptibly,
though it sometimes changes its name. Christianity promised to be
the beginning of the thousand years' reign, but in the main,
everything has gone on just as it was before. A Socialist State
would not be able to make the sun rise in the west, or do away with
death any more than we can. They would have ministers, custom-house
officers, policemen, virtue, vice and ambition, self-interest,
oppression and brotherly love just as we do, and if the Socialists
come into power, they will soon pass special acts and prosecute the
followers of other opinions just as they are being prosecuted to-
day. That is all upon the surface, and does not touch the root of
things. Why excite yourself about a mere shadowplay?"
"In practical matters," answered Paul, laughing, "I consider I am
the better man, but you certainly beat me at metaphysics. Prophecy
decidedly comes under the heading of metaphysics, so I strike my
colors before you."
"The sooner the better," said Malvine; "especially as it is quite
unpardonable of you to start off on a long discussion when our poor
friend must be so tired and sleepy.
Pages:
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338