eps of purest alabaster, and of shining
jasper, also of rough-brick, and slippery moss-grown stone. We
shall reach what we long for, since we trust and do not fear,
for our God knows not fear, only reverence, and his plan is
All in All.'

* * * * *

'Who can expect to utter an absolutely pure and clear tone on
these high subjects? Our earthly atmosphere is too gross to
permit it. Yet, a severe statement has rather an undue charm
for me, as I have a nature of great emotion, which loves free
abandonment. I am ready to welcome a descending Moses, come
to turn all men from idolatries. For my priests have been very
generally of the Pagan greatness, revering nature and seeking
excellence, but in the path of progress, not of renunciation.
The lyric inspirations of the poet come very differently on
the ear from the "still, small voice." They are, in fact, all
one revelation; but one must be at the centre to interpret it.
To that centre I have again and again been drawn, but my large
natural life has been, as yet, but partially transfused with
spiritual consciousness. I shun a premature narrowness, and
bide my time. But I am drawn to look at natures who take a
different way, because they seem to complete my being for me.
They, too, tolerate me in my many phases for the same reason,
probably. It pleased me to see, in one of the figures by which
the Gnostics illustrated the progress of man, that Severity
corresponded to Magnificence.'

* * * * *

'In my quiet retreat, I read Xenophon, and became more
acquainted with his Socrates. I had before known only
the Socrates of Plato, one much more to my mind. Socrates
conformed to the Greek Church, and it is evident with a
sincere reverence, because it was the growth of the _national_
mind. He thought best to stand on its platform, and to
illustrate, though with keen truth, by received forms. This
was his right way, as his influence was naturally private, for
individuals who could in some degree respond to the teachings
of his daemon; he knew the multitude would not understand him.
But it was the other way that Jesus took, preaching in the
fields, and plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath.'

* * * * *

'Is it my defect of spiritual experience,