with the children of the earth, for Evil dwelt among them; he looked not
into the winecup, nor danced with the maidens under the caressing
tendrils of the vine or the luxuriant branches of the myrtle--nay, the
rose cheek of the maiden was a terror to him, for lo! Evil might lurk
under its brilliant bloom. The Dread of Evil sapped the Joy of Life!

He turned from all the lovely Present, to catch faint traces of the dim
Past, to picture the unseen Future, about which it is vain to disquiet
ourselves, since, like everything else, it rests upon the heart of God!
His life was holy, innocent, and self-sacrificing. He sought to serve
his fellow men, yet feared to give them his heart, lest he should rob
the Father of His just due. He knew not from his own experience that
Love is infinite, and grows on what it gives. He bore religious
consolation to the afflicted, aid to the needy, sympathy to the
suffering. He was universally esteemed, but the spirit of his brethren
broke not into joy at his approach, for the _trusting_ heart of genial
humanity throbbed not in his sad breast. He was no Pharisee, but he
dined not with the Publican, and the precious ointment of the Magdalen
never bathed his weary head. His language was: 'All is fleeting and
evil, save Thee, O my Father; in Thee alone can rest be found!'

Solace for human anguish can only be found upon the heart of love. 'Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with
all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself!' Blessed Son of Mary! Thou
alone hast fully kept these _two_ commandments!

'For wisdom is justified of her children!'

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