he practice of the ablutions which
have to be performed by those who are initiated into the deeper secrets
of the heathen mysteries, regarded baptism as an act of purification, a
mystical process of happy augury, or at the best a figurative
purification of the soul, and crowded to receive it. Here, in Alexandria,
the number of these deluded ones is especially great; for where could any
superstition find a more favorable soil than in this seat of
philosophical half-culture, or over-culture; of the worship of Serapis,
of astrology, of societies of Mystics, of visionaries and exorcisers, and
of incredulity--the twin-sister of credulity. Be cautious then to hold
back from baptism all those who regard it as a preserving charm or an act
of good omen--remembering that the same water which, sprinkled on
sanctified hearts, leads them to holy living, brings death to the unclean
soul. It is your turn to speak, Irenaeus."

"I only have to say," began the young Christian thus designated, "that I
have recently met among the catechumens with some who have attached
themselves to us from the basest motives. I mean the idlers who are glad
to receive our alms. Have you noticed here a cynic philosopher whose
starving brother we maintain? Our deacon Clemens has just ascertained
that he is the only son of his father--"

"We will investigate this matter more closely when we discuss the
distribution of alms," replied the bishop. "Here we have petitions from
several women who desire to have their children baptized; this question
we cannot decide here; it must be referred to the next Synod. So far as I
am concerned, I should be inclined not to reject the prayer of the
mothers. Wherein does the utmost aim of the Christian life consist? It
seems to me in being perfectly conformable to the example of the Saviour.
And was not he a Man among men, a Youth among the young, a Child among
children? Did not His existence lend sanctity to every age, and
especially childhood? He commanded that little children should be brought
to Him, and He promised them the Kingdom of Heaven. Wherefore then should
we exclude them and deny them baptism?"

"I cannot share your views," replied a presbyter with a high forehead and
sunken eyes. "We ought no doubt to follow the Saviour, but those who
tread in His steps should do so of their own free choice, out of love for
Him, and after He has sanctified their souls. What is the sense of a new
birth in a life that has scarce