life; and he had gone on boldly in new sin because he confidently hoped
that he might again count on the unwearying mercy of the Saviour. Others
again, who had been brought up in the 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 w