“Among us the greatest of all is the servant of all.  He who does his best along the line of his work, and contributes the results of his efforts to the general good, is successful.  Quantity is not always the test, for the gardener who supplies us with the choicest vegetables is counted just as successful as he who digs from the mountain his thousands in gold....  Who, in your country, is counted the greatest success in history?”

Neither Remand nor the King replied to this query.

“I will not confuse you by urging a reply,” said Paulus.  “You, of course, understand our view of that matter.  He who did the greatest good to the greatest number made the greatest success.  That was the Lord and Master.  ‘If I be lifted up, I shall draw all men to me,’ he said; and that is being fulfilled.  In like manner the greatest among us is he who serves us best.”

They seated themselves on a bench and watched the workers flock from the workshop homeward to their mid-day meal.  It was an interesting sight to the two visitors.  The people appeared so happy and contented that the king noticed it and commented on it.

“Yes,” replied Paulus; “why should they not be happy?  When I think of the times in the past—­how so many of the human race had to struggle desperately merely to live; how men, women and children often had to beg for work by which to obtain the means of existence; how sometimes everything that was good and pure and priceless was sold for bread; while on the other hand many others of the race lolled in ease and luxury, being surfeited with the good things of the world—­I say, when I think of this, I can not praise the Lord too much for what He now has given to us.”

“What are these men’s working hours?” asked Remand.

“The hours vary according to the arduousness of the work, though it is now much more easy and pleasant, owing to our labor-saving machinery.  From three to four hours usually constitute a day’s work.  Some prefer to put in their allotted time every day, and then spend the remainder in other pursuits.  Others work all day, perhaps for a week, which would give them a week to do other things.  Others, again, who wish more leisure for their self-appointed tasks, keep steadily on for a year, thus earning a year for themselves.”

“And what is done with this leisure?” asked the king.

“Most of it is devoted to working in the temples of the Lord, where the saving ordinances of the gospel are performed for those who had not the privilege to do them for themselves in this life; but many other things are done.  For instance, he who thinks he is an inventor, devotes his time to perfecting his invention; those who wish to pursue a certain line of study, now have time to do so; some spend time in traveling.”

“Is there no competition among you?” said Remand.  “Such a condition, it seems to me, would bring stagnation.”