262 THE WHENCE AND THE WHITHER OF MAN 



I cannot grasp the higher while using both hands to 

 grasp the lower. 



Thus rehgion is the interpenetration and permeation 

 of my personality by that of God. And prayer is the 

 communion by which this permeation becomes possible. 

 And faith is the vision of these possibilities, the being 

 persuaded by them, and the resolute purpose to attain 

 them. And faith in ' Christ is confiding communion 

 with him and obedience to his commands that his 

 divine life may iiow over into me and dominate mine. 

 And common-sense, and the more refined common- 

 sense which we call science, can show me no other 

 means to the attainment of that godlikeness which is 

 the only true conformity to environment. 



And, holding such a belief and faith, we must be 

 hopeful. And only next in importance to faith and 

 love stands hope. The hero must be hopeful. And 

 when times look dark about you, and they sometimes 

 will, you must still hope. 



" O it is hard to work for God, 

 To rise and take his part 

 Upon the battle-fleld of earth, 

 And not sometimes lose heart ! 



"O there is less to try our faith 

 In our mysterious creed, 

 Than in the godless look of earth 

 In these our hours of need. 



' ' 111 masters good ; good seems to change 

 To ill with greatest ease ; 

 And, worst of all, the good with good 

 Is at cross purposes. 



