earth; the one which he taught his
disciples to follow; one which requires no trained intellect or
cultivated mind, but simply an understanding of the human heart, the
human mind, and human passions. In it there are no creeds to learn, no
dogmas to understand, but the simple lesson of "Do unto others as you
would they should do unto you," which is the foundation of genuine
religion. Phariseeism is the curse of modern times, "Stand aside for I
am holier than thou," is the spirit too often shown among--so
called--Christians. The teaching of our Saviour; his life and good words
mean little with many persons. The story of Mary Magdalen is simply a
story, and conveys nothing to their minds. A supplication from such a
one as she would meet with no return. The drawing of the skirts aside
for fear of contamination, the cold looks and averted gaze, prove that
at least, one noble lesson has been disregarded.

In the German town of Andernach there is a huge wooden image of the
Saviour on the cross. And this is the legend which all the simple
peasants believe.

"One stormy night a poor, sinful creature was wandering about the
streets with her babe in her arms, and she was hungry and cold, homeless
and friendless, and no one in Andernach would take her in. And when she
came to the crucifix, she sat down on a stone at the foot of the cross
and began to pray, and prayed till she fell asleep with her poor little
babe on her bosom. But she did not sleep long, for a bright light shone
full in her face, and when she opened her eyes she saw a pale man
standing before her. He was almost naked, and there was blood upon his
hands and body; and great tears stood in his beautiful eyes and his face
was like the face of the Saviour on the cross. Not a word did he speak,
but he looked at the woman compassionately, and gave her a loaf of
bread, and took the babe in his arms and kissed it."

No need to talk of spiritual things to people who are suffering from
hunger and cold. If the moral nature of the poor is to be reformed,
their surroundings must be improved. "The mind becomes that which it
contemplates." It would be impossible for any one surrounded by crime
and poverty to understand or be made to comprehend the loving kindness
of a God who placed them in such a condition and amidst such
surroundings. No one, unless they were fanatics, would think of
distributing religious tracts to the poor half starved ignorant portion
of a large city. The