St Ignatius College - Ignatian Yearbook (San Francisco, CA)

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8 IGNATIAN other. During the moment of its passage it enjoys the warmthg when it is once departed, it is seen no more. Such is the nature of man. During a few years his existence is visible, but what has preceded or what will follow it, is concealed from the view of mortals. If the new religion offer any information on subjects so mysterious and im- portant, it must be worthy of our attention. It is not the purpose to give an account of the con- version of Northumbria, or a histo-ry of the labors of early English missionaries. The thane spoke well, yet he but voiced the intense interest of all people in their future, the yearning of spiritual nature for the something which will satisfy, which will bring perfect happiness. There is no question which occupies men mo-re than this of their ultimate end. Whether or not man is destined for a future life and what that life will be, arouses just as much interest to-day and will cause just as much speculation and search in future ages as it did in the sixth century when Paulinus was asking permission to preach. Some there are who proclaim the belief that the present existence is all sufficient,,that in the span of human life full satisfaction, perfect happiness, is attainable, that all things necessary to fulfill man's desires are present to be sought for and secured, yet all such are dissatisfied. Apparently their own declarations couched in pleasant language, or in confusing terms, mislead them for a time, only, however, to again send them seeking, until they leave this world con- tending that they have attained that which they are still pursuing, the ultimate end of man, perfect happiness. Their condition may be likened to that of the boy passing through a grave-yard at night, whistling to convince himself that he is not afraid of imaginary dangers, which nevertheless pur- sue him until he passes through the darkness and the evils suggested by his surroundings into light and companion- ship. Therefore it may be set down that every man desires

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WHITHERWARD 7 of that which will satisfy the material man, for disregard for or breaking these laws is violence and violence is always antagonistic to comfort. So keeping these laws, the other things can be sought directly and with a clear understand- ing of the object in view, no uncertainty need interrupt the course pursued, for the end to be reached is understood, the way is open and right effort will accomplish and obtain what is sought. That many may fail and do fail in obtain- ing satisfaction of their material desires is the result of mis- directed effort, not of the interference of insurmountable obstacles. The failure of many to satisfy their material nature does not prove that the possibility of so doing is not within man's knowledge, grasp and power. Dealing with man's spiritual nature, we find a desire for something far above and beyond the desires and require- ments of the material being. When Saint Augustine's com- panion and follower, Paulinus, journeyed into Northumbria impelled by zeal for the conversion of King Edwin and his subjects, he was rebuffed. King, nobles and people feared the stranger with his reputed magicg and fear made them loath to place themselves in his power. They had heard rumors of this unusual man, going from place to place preaching a new religion which would substitute a new God for the old ones and put a stop to the ancient customs of the land, hence added to fear was the ever present aversion to changing from the old to the new. But his propositions seemed so fair and his manner so sure that they hesitated, and, when Paulinus made his formal plea for a hearing, the king called his council to consider the matter. The dis- cussion was longg no decision seemed possible until an aged thane rose to- speak. When, said he, O King, you and your ministers are seated at table in the depth of winter, and the cheerful fire blazes on the hearth in the middle of the hall, a swallow perhaps, chased by wind and snow, enters at one door of the apartment and escapes by the

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WHITHERWARD 9 perfect happiness. The conceptions of what constitutes this state may be different, many may be mistaken in their no- tions of what this happiness consists, still they all desire itg the higher the intellect the loftier the conception of happi- ness, with a corresponding intensification of the yearning for it. It is a truth that everything which exists is naturally fitted for its own peculiar purpose. Hence man also exists for a purposeg he is tending toward some last end. Now in order to find this last end the best course will be to examine into man's nature. It is a well-known truth that man is never satisfied, he is continually seeking something which always seems to be just a little beyond his grasp. No matter what position he may occupy, he is dissatisfied. Some seek satisfaction and peace in the pursuit of wealth and power. Yet while striving for it they are not at peace and, after they have attained it, like Alexander they weep for more worlds to conquer. Wealth or power, desirable as they seem before attainment, do not give the satisfac- tion expected. The ordinary man thinks he would be per- fectly happy did he only possess genius, yet we find that the genius has some other goal in view. No matter what We may do, or seek to do, we do not feel satisfiedg no man seems to have attained his end. There is a desire which is present in all of us, which we are continually trying to satisfy. This is a part of our nature which we cannot es- cape. That which we desire is called happiness, it becomes essential to consider and learn in what this consists. Our whole existence is filled with the desire that things may go well with us and -ours. No matter where we are or what we do this desire is urging us on. Sometimes, it is true, we act without being conscious of its infiuenceg but if we inquire carefully we will recognize its presence in much the same manner that our desire to reach our destination always directs us while on a journeyg we can forget our