And my argument is that if any two peoples are so brainless as to be led into war by their press, they are not fit to live--no more fit than the mosquitoes that once made Panama a graveyard." Gwent smoked leisurely, regarding his companion with unfeigned interest.
"Apparently you haven't much respect for life ?" he said.
"Not when it is diseased life--not when it is perverted life;"-- returned Seaton--"Then it is mere deformity and encumbrance.
For life itself in all its plenitude, health and beauty I have the deepest, most passionate respect.

It is the outward ray or reflex of the image of God--" "Stop there!" interrupted Gwent--"You believe in God ?" "I do,--most utterly! That is to say I believe in an all-pervading Mind originating and commanding the plan of the Universe.

We talk of 'ions' and 'electrons'-- but we are driven to confess that a Supreme Intelligence has the creation of electrons, and directs them as to the formation of all existing things.

To that Mind--to that Intelligence--I submit my soul! And I do NOT believe that this Supreme Mind desires evil or sorrow,--we create disaster ourselves, and it is ourselves that must destroy it, We are given free-will--if we 'will' to create disease, we must equally 'will' to exterminate it by every means in our power." "I think I follow you"-- said Gwent, slowly--"But now, as regards this Supreme Intelligence, I suppose you will admit that the plan of creation is a dual sort of scheme--that is to say 'male and female created He them' ?" "Why, of course!" and Seaton smiled--"The question is superfluous!" "I asked it," went on Gwent--"because you seem to eliminate the female element from your life altogether.

Therefore, so I take it, you are not at your full strength, either as a scientist or philosopher.