nto
night showeth knowledge. The way of nature is solid, substantial,
vast, and unchanging. He who walks in it stands secure, as in the
shadow of a high tower or as if encompassed by a mighty fortress. The
wisdom of the forest shall be granted to him who seeks for it with calm
heart and quiet eye."

But among his followers there were many who were eager and would hasten
on, and although they spoke much of the Nature of Things and of the Law
of the Forest, they were contented with speaking. "The road is long,"
they said to themselves, "and the hours are fleeting." They had no
time to contemplate the glory of the heavens. The beauty of the lilies
fell on unobservant eyes. For all these things they trusted to the
report of others. The words passed from mouth to mouth, losing ever a
little of their truth. And in this wise the voice of wisdom was turned
to the language of folly. For the nature of things is truth. But no
man can find truth except he seek it for himself. And so they fared
on, each well or ill, according to the truth to which his way bore
witness.

Meanwhile those who bore the white banner remained long in council. At
last one remembered that it was written, "Faith without works is dead,
being alone." And it was written again, "Those who follow me in spirit
must follow me in truth." The essence of truth lies not in thought or
feeling, but must be expressed in deeds. Right feelings follow right
actions. Thus it was with him; thus will it be with us.

Then they went their way together, doing good to one another. And each
called his neighbor "brother"; and some bore cups of cold water, and
some balm for healing; some carried oil and wine and pots of precious
ointment. To whomsoever they met they gave help and comfort. The
hungry they fed. The thirsty were given drink. He who had fallen by
the wayside was lifted up and strengthened, and the blessing of
cleanliness was brought to him who lay in filth and shame. The
blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon them, and the heart
of the widow sang for joy.

But soon those who were filled with zeal for good works were gathered
together in great bands, and each band wished to magnify its work. In
every way, to all men who asked, help was given. They searched out the
lame and the blind, and brought them that they might perforce be
healed. Cup after cup of cold water was given to the little ones, even
to those who might bring water fo