They serve, that is all. Then there are the gods of Egypt, as
to which I made inquiry, and of them I will say this: that beneath the
grotesque cloak of their worship seems to shine some spark of a holy
fire. Next come the gods of the Phoenicians, the fathers of a hideous
creed. After them the flame worshippers and other kindred religions of
the East. There remain the Jews, whose doctrine seems to me a savage
one; at least it involves bloodshed with the daily offering of blood.
Also they are divided, these Jews, for some are Pharisees, some
Sadducees, some Essenes. Lastly, there are you Christians, whose faith
is pure enough in theory, but whom all unite against in hate. What is
the worth of a belief in this crucified Preacher who promises that He
will raise those who trust in Him from the dead?"
"That you will find out when everything else has failed you," answered
Miriam.
"Yes, it is a religion for those whom everything else has failed. When
that chances to the rest of us we commit suicide and sink from sight."
"And we," she said proudly, "rise to life eternal."
"It may be so, lady, it may be so; but let us talk of something
more cheerful," and he sighed. "At present, I hold that nothing is
eternal--except perhaps such art as yours.
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