#BOOK TWO#

#The Church of Good Society#

Within the House of Mammon his priesthood stands alert
By mysteries attended, by dusk and splendors girt,
Knowing, for faiths departed, his own shall still endure,
And they be found his chosen, untroubled, solemn, sure.

Within the House of Mammon the golden altar lifts
Where dragon-lamps are shrouded as costly incense drifts--
A dust of old ideals, now fragrant from the coals,
To tell of hopes long-ended, to tell the death of souls.

Sterling.

* * * * *




#The Rain Makers#

I begin with the Church of Good Society, because it happens to be the
Church in which I was brought up. Heading this statement, some of my
readers suspected me of snobbish pride. I search my heart; yes, it