Page:Future of England - Peel.djvu/15

Rh end. But, in fact, any public object fills only a modified part in the lives of citizens, who are invaded from above and below by two rival interests. From below rise the needs of daily life to distract attention from the common good. From above descends the claim of religion. Those for whom that claim exists look, even though they love their country, towards a commonwealth more august and more enduring yet.

Nevertheless, between these two poles of human interest, nationality, on the equator, is still important. It stands half-way. In that debateable borderland it seeks to erect a middle kingdom, a buffer state, a neutral territory, between the respective frontiers of the spirit and the flesh.

Thus looking over London I tasked myself to find what the national purpose is, and whether it is feasible, and whether it is sufficient.