The remedy for this evil state of things--the _only_ remedy yet suggested--is _Socialism_. And _Socialism_ is broadly expressed in the title and motto of this book: BRITAIN FOR THE BRITISH. THE PURPOSE OF THIS BOOK The purpose of this book is to convert the reader to _Socialism_: to convince him that the present system--political, industrial, and social--is bad; to explain to him why it is bad, and to prove to him that Socialism is the only true remedy. FOR WHOM THIS BOOK IS INTENDED This book is intended for any person who does not understand, or has, so far, refused to accept the principles of _Socialism_. But it is especially addressed, as my previous book, _Merrie England_, was addressed, to JOHN SMITH, a typical British working man, not yet converted to _Socialism_. I hope this book will be read by every opponent of _Socialism_; and I hope it will be read by all those good folks who, though not yet _Socialists_, are anxious to help their fellow-creatures, to do some good in their own day and generation, and to leave the world a little better than they found it. I hope that all lovers of justice and of truth will read this book, and that many of them will be thereby led to a fuller study of _Socialism_. To the Tory and the Radical; to the Roman Catholic, the Anglican, and the Nonconformist; to the workman and the employer; to the scholar and the peer; to the labourer's wife, the housemaid, and the duchess; to the advocates of Temperance and of Co-operation; to the Trade Unionist and the non-Unionist; to the potman, the bishop, and the brewer; to the artist and the merchant; to the poet and the navvy; to the Idealist and the Materialist; to the poor clerk, the rich financier, the great scientist, and the little child, I commend the following beautiful prayer from the Litany of the Church of England:-- That it may please thee to bring into the way of truth _all_ such as have erred, and are deceived. That it may please thee to strengthen such as do stand; and to comfort and help the weak-hearted; and to raise up them that fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet. That it may please thee to succour, help, and comfort _all_ that are in danger, necessity, and tribulation. That it may please thee to preserve _all_ that travel by land or by water, _all_ women labouring of child, _all_ sick persons, and young children; and to shew thy pity upon _all_ prisoners and captives. That it may please thee to defend, and provide for, the fatherless children, and widows, and _all_ that are desolate and oppressed. That it may please thee to have mercy upon _all_ men. That it may please thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts. That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, so as in due time we may enjoy them. _We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord._