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THE PLASTIC AGE
163

to make that philosophy practical. Why, there is more kindness and goodness around than we know about. We see the evil, and we know we have lusts and—and things, but we do good, too. And Hugh was right when he talked a while ago about the beauty in the world. There’s lots of it, lots and lots of it. There ’s beautiful poetry and beautiful music and beautiful scenery; and there are people who appreciate all of it. I tell you that in spite of everything life is worth living. And I believe in Christ’s philosophy, too. I don’t know whether He is the son of God 6r not—I think that He must be—but that does n’t make any difference. Look at the wonderful influence He has had.”

“Rot,” said (Burbank calmly, “absolute rot. There has never been a good deed done in His name; just the Inquisition and the what-do-you-call’ems in Russia* Oh, yes, pogroms—and wars and robbing people. Christianity is just a name; there is n’t any such thing. And most of the professional Christians that I’ve seen are damn fools. I tell you, George, it’s all wrong. We ’re all in the dark, and I don’t believe the profs know any more about it than we do.”

“Oh, yes, they do,” Hugh exclaimed; “they must. Think of all the studying they’ve done.”

“Bah.” Burbank was contemptuous. “They’ve read a lot of books, that’s all. Most of them never had an idea in their lives. Oh, I know that