, through which the wishes of the
majority are expressed; that corrupt politics, result in bad government;
that pure politics, insure good government; that a wise, just
government, is the greatest political benefit which can be conferred on
the people governed. United, these conclusions give an affirmative
answer to our question. They also tell us why, the new religion, the
mouth-piece of inspiration, reason, science, evolution and progress,
should proclaim it a religious duty, to teach our children,--embryo
citizens of the republic--every practical detail of pure politics.

"What think you, Mr. Gaylord? Have your objections, been satisfactorily
answered? Can we agree to accept new definitions, for the disputed
religious terms, which we have been discussing?"

"I am satisfied, Miss Houghton, that I have been quite too hasty in my
conclusions! You have convinced me of the importance of teaching pure
politics to children, as a part of their religious training. With regard
to other religious questions, you have answered my objections in a most
masterly manner! The practical religion, which you have so beautifully
outlined and so clearly defined, seems worthy of all the eloquence which
you have bestowed upon it. That dreadful doctrine of total depravity,
which you have so effectually demolished, has always been a repulsive
one to me! For years, it has been a tormenting theological thorn in my
side! I could never quite reconcile its existence, with the overruling
dominion of an all-wise Creator; the very embodiment of Infinite
goodness. I may as well say frankly, that I have often tried to find
some good reason for denying it! Now, I have found one, that will
satisfy my conscience. With the vexing doctrine of total depravity
eliminated from the religious problem, a definition for the term,
practical religion, becomes much more simple. A new light is thrown on
the whole subject. Just at present, under the influence of this light, I
am inclined to think, that your statements and your premises, are all
true. Granting this, I will cheerfully admit, that the people of
Solaris, are nobly living practical religious lives. I am very much
interested in the wonderful claims of this new religion. I trust, that
after some weeks of careful examination, I may be able to accept them
without one single reservation. After that, I venture to promise, that
we shall be able to agree on a satisfactory definition, for all disputed
religious term