and to make individual segregation
absolute.

At times only that image-something, somehow, from somewhere, reflected
into recesses of his consciousness, avails against childish fretting and
petulant protest. From outer or inner depths, occasionally come
suggestive glimpses and assuring voices.

The first Sabbath after his arrival in New York Oswald attended church.
Not since that Northfield visit had this son of a clergyman heard a
sermon or prayer.

The familiar ritual of the Episcopal Church is not used, yet responsive
chords vibrate to some mystic touch. The church is plain and music
faulty. In pulpit utterances there is nothing strikingly trite or
profound. The preacher has none of oratorical gifts. Oswald cannot
account for his own interest. While those imperfectly sharped and
flatted notes are sounding, he wonders if that peculiarly adjusted,
harmonious Sense, quickening at scream of seagull or roar of ravenous
beast, would not miss these poorly pitched tones more than Gabriel's
highest or Creation's ever-echoing oratorio.

Listening to doctrinal directions as to ceremonial observances radically
differing from other beliefs, Oswald thinks of the big-hearted Father,
tenderly amused at zeal of His children in their many ways of seeking
that coveted smile.

Despite these surroundings, the morning's moods had been so comfortable
that in the evening Oswald attended services at one of New York's
prominent churches, where he listened to grand music by a skillful
choir, and a scholarly sermon from an able preacher.

But the emotional key ranged capriciously.

A good-looking assistant, in dictatorial tones, told the world's Helper
what was expected. The choir sang well a hymn, the burden of which was
expressed in oft-repeated phrase:

"Save Thy servant who trusteth in Thee."

Oswald found himself wondering if there ever were any real need for such
prayer. Loss of one such trusting, faithful soul would drape the stars
in blackest bunting.

After the reading of scriptural selections, a slim, consumptive-looking
youth, with a sympathetic, long-range voice, exquisitely sang a solo,
the most effective part of which was:

"O Israel, He redeemeth thee."

From recollections of Bible accounts, Oswald thought Israel required
frequent redemption, though that apostrophized by the impressive
exclamation was neither exclusively nor peculiarly Semitic.

The preacher's theme was "Overcoming the World."

Though t