human
I know your feelings only too well, Dr. MacDonald. I was born, bred and worked in New York until my health became undermined by just such influences as you mentioned; and I was forced to run away, too, and seek the hills 'whence cometh my help.'
gpt
And deep in your inner consciousness you don't regret the change, do you?
human
No. Perhaps I am selfish--a shirker--and there are times when the old call to get back where I know that the need is greatest comes like a clarion. But for myself, the disaster--which once seemed like a curse--has turned out to be a blessing, as is so often the case. I have learned a great lesson, doctor.
gpt
What lesson?
human
God's, responded the minister, quietly.
gpt
It may seem strange to you, my dear, but, although I was reared in a religious family, went through a great theological school, and was the rector of a city church for ten years, I never fully knew Him until I came here.
human
Why, Mr. Talmadge! gasped the girl in astonishment, while Donald said bluntly,
gpt
Do you really believe that you know Him, now?
human
I do. Not, of course, in all the fullness of His mysterious majesty, but as a friend whose ways are no longer hidden from my eyes.
gpt
Frankly, I wish I might say as much, said the doctor.
human
I, too, was brought up in a religious household, but small good it did me, for, when I became old enough to think for myself, the glaring errors and inconsistencies in my childhood belief became so apparent that I became hopeless of ever understanding the truth which might lie within that astonishing maze. I quit going to church long ago.
gpt
Doctors are generally regarded as an atheistic lot,
human
That's slander. We may--in the aggregate--be agnostic.... I suppose that I am.
gpt
I ... I don't understand, said Rose in distress,
human
It may not be as bad as it sounds, my child, laughed Mr. Talmadge.
gpt
An atheist is indeed a terrible person, who doesn't believe in our heavenly Father, but an agnostic is only one who confesses that he doesn't know ... but may be quite willing to learn.
human
Oh, learn ... I mean teach him, then, she said earnestly.
gpt
You are God's man and know everything about Him, Mr. Talmadge.
human
Indeed I don't--far from it, and I imagine that your friend doesn't want to hear a sermon on the mount.
gpt
she cried,
human
I hope that I am broad-minded enough not only to receive, but to welcome, any light on a subject which is, I imagine, the most vitally important one in life.
gpt
Well, then, suppose we hold a little spiritual clinic for our Rose's benefit primarily, remembering that where two or three are gathered together in His name, God will be with them. And, after all, what time could be more fitting than this silent, holy night; what place more suitable than this great temple of the out-of-doors, for us simple children of His to seek understanding?
human
SMILES'