t chimes that will fill the haunted [25]
chambers of memory, this is the sweetest: "Thou hast
been faithful!"

[Page 344.]

True Philosophy And Communion

It is related of Justin Martyr that, hearing of a Pythag- [2]
orean professor of ethics, he expressed the wish to be-
come one of his disciples. "Very well," the teacher
replied; "but have you studied music, astronomy, and [5]
geometry, and do you think it possible for you to under-
stand aught of that which leads to bliss, without hav-
ing mastered the sciences that disengage the soul from
objects of sense, so rendering it a fit habitation for
the intelligences?" On Justin's confessing that he had [10]
not studied those branches, he was dismissed by the
professor.

Alas for such a material science of life! Of what
avail would geometry be to a poor sinner struggling with
temptation, or to a man with the smallpox? [15]

Ancient and modern philosophies are spoiled by lack
of Science. They would place Soul wholly inside of body,
intelligence in matter; and from error of premise would
seek a correct conclusion. Such philosophy can never
demonstrate the Science of Life,--the Science which [20]
Paul understood when he spoke of willingness "to be
absent from the body, and present with the Lord." Such
philosophy is far from the rules of the mighty Nazarene
Prophet. His words, living in our hearts, were these:
"Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as [25]
a little child, shall in no wise enter therein." Not through
astronomy did he point out the way to heaven and the
reign of harmony.

We need the spirit of St. Paul, when he stood on Mars'
hill at Athens, bringing Christianity for the first time [30]

[Page 345.]

into Europe. The Spirit bestows spiritual gifts, God's [1]
presence and providence. St. Paul stood where Socrates
had stood four hundred years before, defending himself
against the charge of atheism; in the place where De-
mosthenes had pleaded for freedom in immortal strains [5]
of eloquence.

We need the spirit of the pious Polycarp, who, when
the proconsul said to him, "I will set the beasts upon
you, unless you yield your religion," replied: "Let them
come; I cannot change from good to bad." Then they [10]
bound him to the stake, set fire to the fagots, and his
pure and strong faith rose higher through the baptism
of flame.

Methinks the infidel was blind who said, "Christianity
is fit only for women and weak men;" but even