“After the physical welfare of our people is looked after, we make it imperative that they study, and learn and adhere to the laws governing the spiritual being. Our religion teaches us that if we abuse the body and die before our time we shall not enter the great hereafter; we shall be condemned to everlasting punishment. This religious law, and the dire future for those who break it, makes all observe it, and consequently you see no sick or infirm about you. We are taught to believe in one God, and live so that we may enter a home of everlasting bliss when we have lived out our lives on this earth.”
“Tell us how you punish murder and stealing,” said Mr. Bruce.
“Stealing, murder?” asked Onrai.
“Yes, taking from another that which belongs to him, either property or life.”
“These are unknown to us,” said Onrai. “We are all equal; we have the same duties to perform, the same garments to wear, the same things to eat and drink. Why should we take from another that which we have ourselves?”
“Is there no buying and selling?” asked Mr. Bruce.
“No,” said Onrai, “We all share alike. When a citizen wants a certain article he has but to ask for it and it is his. We have an abundance of all things, at all times and it is as free to one as to another.”
“What are your laws concerning marriage?” inquired Enola.
“Our religious laws govern this,” replied Onrai. “At the age of eighteen the young people are taken before a council of ten and a careful examination is made of both physical and mental health. These examinations are reported on tablets and at the age of twenty they are again summoned and a husband or wife is allotted.”
“But love,” said Mrs. Graham, “does not love enter into the compact at all?”