Such communities have made at different times great successes; but their success has not been permanent.

The political aspect of associated life is not to be evaded.

In proportion as political organization gained in prosperity, efficiency, and dignity, special religious associations lost their independence and power.

Even the most powerful religious association in the world, the Catholic Church, has been fighting a losing battle with political authority, and it is likely in the course of time to occupy in relation to the political powers a position analogous to that of the Greek or the English church.

The ultimate power to command must rest with that authority which, if necessary, can force people to obey; and any plan of association which seeks to ignore the part which physical force plays in life is necessarily incomplete.