CHAPTER XI
OUR FINAL FUTURE
England, then, has led the modern world in freedom first, and next, in industrialism. With us, the former gave birth to the latter movement, which, with all its imperfections and with all its promise, is as yet but half-way. Putting aside those who would take advantage of its imperfections for unwise and even revolutionary ends, we shall see to it that its promise is fulfilled, and that its essential purpose, a prosperity fairly and generally diffused, is finally accomplished.
Yet, beyond this prospect, another is opening before us. To-day, science asks to be the partner of policy. It says, with an ever-increasing weight, that the care of the individual, the cure of the race, the culture of mind and body, the provision of health in its widest meaning, are the most urgent work of domestic statesmanship. The masses, to whom the twentieth century will belong, will ask for nothing less of nationality than to be free, prosperous, and well.
But England is not only a nation to herself, she is also a part of Christendom. So the second great issue for England is what part she shall play
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