“Exactly; and this may be said of our religious differences. We all, or nearly all, believe that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, and that to be a Christian is to be a believer in and a follower of Him. We believe, too, that the peace and well-being of peoples is to be secured through allegiance to Him. Is it not wonderful, then, that both in Christianity and politics we often seem as far apart as the poles?” “Not at all wonderful,” said Tom, “seeing that man is always a combative and disagreeable creature, and that the more civilised he is the more stubborn is the animosity which he cherishes towards every one but himself. Did you ever know a body of men in committee who did not waste the time in discussion and disagreement?” “Yes, I have frequently observed the phenomenon, Miss Grace; and are not most things the better for being threshed out in discussion? Many men means many minds; and in ‘the multitude of counsellors there is safety.’ There is not necessarily antagonism because there is difference of method; but no one more regrets than I that these differences should be accentuated until they actually create a division among those who ought to be heart and soul together.” “What names do you propose to give the new parties, Mr. Knight?” asked Miss Whitwell. “No names at all. We will try and get the things and name them afterward. We want the party of righteousness to oppose the party of wrong, that is all.” “But, of course, that is exactly what we have now,” said Dallington. “Every man believes that his own party is for the right and the other is not. It is a question of standpoint.” “Yes; but making allowances for that sort of thing, there is some common ground upon which we can all meet, and men who have consciences ought to occupy it while they make one grand united effort on behalf of those whose existence is little more than a struggle.” “All life is a struggle, though,” said Dallington, “and working men must have their share.” “I have been much interested in hearing of your plan in regard to your own workpeople,” said Mr. Whitwell. “I hope it will succeed. You are spending an immense sum of money on the new town which you are founding. I know that because of the little I have tried to do on my own farm. I hope you are not doomed to disappointment.” “I am not afraid of that. I am spending all that I have at present; but my London places occupy valuable sites, which I shall have no difficulty in selling. My hopes are sanguine in regard to my people, although I know that human nature is a very difficult thing to deal with. The people need new natures more than anything, but I believe that we are all greatly influenced by our environments, and my men shall have a chance.” “All sorts of good influences are being exerted upon young people to-day,” remarked Mr. Whitwell, “and therein lies my hope for the future.”