The Ideal State 267 



to Booth. ' The work of his life will surely be held up 

 in ages to come, as one of singular nobleness of design, 

 and of unflinching energy and self-sacrifice in execu- 

 tion.' This is a combination which compels the ad- 

 miration of all save the dull and the base. The men 

 who have it are rare, and we may be thankful for 

 them. They may not succeed, and, indeed, it is dim- 

 cult to say of either of these missionaries how far he 

 succeeded in his aim. Nor does it greatly matter. 

 The great thing is that they had the aim and pursued it 

 with unflagging energy and unflinching self-sacrifice. 

 They are an example and a light ; they raise the whole 

 standard of conduct in their generation in a way which 

 men with different gifts cannot compass. As for 

 visible success, no one ever failed, according to the common 

 ideas of success, so utterly as the Master they both served." 

 " The Times " is here consciously or unconsciously 

 helping the ethical evolution of man. In this con- 

 clusion it idealises self-sacrifice and shows forth its 

 belief in the ideal regardless of worldly success or 

 substantial gain or possession ; indeed, indirectly, it 

 may be said to pour contempt on " the common ideas 

 of success." It must be evident surely that here is 

 visible proof, if such were needed, of the triumph of the 

 teachings of the Master, Whom, to-day, consciously or 

 unconsciously, we all serve or try to serve, and thus help 

 on towards the glorious consummation of the ideal state, 

 when, indeed, " Good shall be the final goal of ill." The 

 ascent of man through the ages has been long and 

 steep, but at last we are within reach of his final 

 evolution by means of the permeation of his thoughts 

 by the ideal of love and self-sacrifice. It may be long 

 in coming, but the indications are strong that the 

 Will of the Eternal approaches completion and the 

 realisation of the ideal is nearing accomplishment. 

 It is impossible to refrain from inscribing here Mr. 



