velopment and sublimation, the germs of eternal truth. In tradition and in ceremonial, in symbolism and in custom, the people sees the actual incarnation of that which expressed in abstract formula would be neither real nor effective. What if destroying the husk we deaden the kernel of truth; if pulling up the tares we pull up also the wheat? What if in striving to purify the faith of the people under the pretext of enmity to superstition we destroy the faith itself? If the forms by which simple men express their faith in the living God repel us, let us remember that it is to us, perhaps, the command of our Divine Master was given: "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones that believe in Me."

In an Arabic poem we find the instructive parable of the celebrated teacher Djelalledin. Once Moses, while wandering in the wilderness, came upon a shepherd who was praying fervently to God. This was the shepherd's prayer:-"How shall I know where to find thee, and how to be thy servant? How I should wish to put on thy sandals, to comb thy hair, to wash thy garments, to kiss thy feet, to care for thy dwelling, to give thee milk from my herd; for such is the desire of my heart." Moses, when he heard the words of the shepherd, was angered, and reproached him. "Thou blasphemest! The Most High God has no body, he wants neither clothing, nor dwelling, nor service. What dost thou mean, unbeliever?" The heart of the shepherd was saddened, because he could not conceive a being without bodily form and corporeal needs: he was taken by despair and ceased to serve the Lord. But God spoke to Moses and said: "Why hast thou driven away from me my servant? Every

man has taken from me the form of his being and the manner of his speech. What to thee is evil, to another is good, to thee it is poison, to another it is sweet honey. To me words are nothing. I look into the heart of man."

VII

The Persian poet, Mohammed Roumi, who lived in the thirteenth century, is the author of the celebrated poem "Masnava." It contains some remarkable

verses

soul :

on prayer which are worthy of a trusting

"A certain man cried out in the silence of the night, 'Oh, Allah!' But Satan answered, Be silent, thou fool, thou hast babbled enough already! Thou wilt never hear an answer from the height of the throne, however much thou mayst cry "Allah!" and look disheartened.'

"The man's heart was troubled, and he hung his head. Then appeared to him the prophet Kisr, and asked: Why hast thou ceased to call on God, and repented of thy prayers?' The man answered, 'I got no answer from Allah; I heard no voice saying, "I am here," and I fear that the gates of salvation are shut against me.' Kisr answered, 'Thus has Allah commanded me, "Go thou to him and say, 'Oh, man, tried by much, have I not commanded thee to serve me; have I not commanded thee to call on me. And my reply, "Here am I" is the same as thine "Oh, Allah!" Thy suffering, thy ardour, and thy zeal, all these are my messengers to thee: when

thou strugglest with thyself and cryest for help, by this struggle and cry I draw thee to myself, and answer thy prayer. Thy fear and thy love are the signs of my forgiveness, and in thy words, “O Allah! is a multitude of answers, "I am with thee.'

THE IDEALS OF UNBELIEF

I

THE ancient words, "The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God," apply with especial force to-day. Their truth is plainer than the sun, although now all "progressive minds" are possessed by a passionate desire to live without God, to conceal Him, to deny His presence. Even men at heart benevolent and honourable ask themselves how they may realise benevolence, honour, and conscience without God.

The Government of France, in the last stage of political disintegration, has organised its national schools without God. Among us, unhappily, certain representatives of intelligence have rivalled the Moscow princess, who said, “Ah, France, no better country in the world!"-for not long ago a celebrated schoolmaster pointed out the French scholastic system as a model worthy of imitation.

Among the latest books officially prescribed for study in the female schools of France is one entitled, "Instruction Morale et Civique des Jeunes Filles." This is in the nature of a secular catechism of morals, appointed to replace the study of the Word of God.

This book is worthy of notice. It is divided into three sections, each bearing a different title. The first is composed of certain moral precepts on duty, honesty, conscience, and so forth. The second part

contains a short description of the State and of the national institutions. The third part treats of woman, her mission, faculties, and virtues. The matter in the book is concise, simple, and clear, written as a textbook ought to be with a multitude of clear examples and illustrations. No exception can be taken to the manner of this book; it preaches order, good morals, purity of thought and intention, kind deeds; it approves with emphasis the sentiment and recognition of duty, and carefully sets forth a woman's duties in social and domestic life.

One thing alone is notable. On no single page is mentioned the name of God, nor is there the slightest reference to the religious feeling. The author, after explaining the great importance of the part played in man by conscience, defines it thus: "Conscience is our conception of the opinion which others have about us and our actions" (considération de l'opinion des autres). On this treacherous and mutable base, the opinion of others, is affirmed the moral foundation of our lives. How excellently this illustrates the ancient proverb, "Who thinks himself too wise becomes a fool."

Unhappily, to this stream of idiotcy flooding France to-day are drawn even from our poor Russia little rills of native intelligence; and in our newspapers and gazettes, in our leading articles and feuilletons. are repeated in chorus the words of the Moscow princess. To the same chorus too often are drawn those well-meaning, but simple and inexperienced men, who fancy newspapers must bring to them some new word" of civilisation.

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Nothing is more deplorable than the reasoning on