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

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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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. mhithrrmarh HERE exists in man a principle, free and spiritual, radically distinct from his mate- 93 Yam . . d. .1 f t d M r1al being. Thus we or mari y re er o an NIQZ speak of man as having two natures, his material or, as some prefer, animal nature G! ' and his spiritual nature. It is true that exception may be taken to this last statement by those who stand always for exactnessg as precision would require that we state that man has one composite nature with two phases, material and spiritual. Yet in treating of man's life, tendencies and the end which he seeks to attain, it is per- missible to allow convenience to overrule exactness in order to secure clarity and brevity, without the necessity of a particular statement and explanation of the phases of man's nature at each reference to the side or part being discussed. Therefore we will take advantage of the expressions com- monly used and readily recognized by all those who have, as well as those who have not, given time to the study of the science of real being. We propose, then, to deal with man and his two natures, material and spiritual, and as to whitherward each of them impels him. By the spiritual nature we mean not only that which verifies the body but the principle in man which is at once free, spiritual and immortal as well. To satisfy the material nature, ease, comfort and health are sought and cherished. The means of attaining them can be easily seen, understood and efforts made for their acquisition. Each individual requires different things for the satisfaction ofnhis material cravings, activity is essen- tially necessary to one, whereas rest and ease are the de- mands of another. Strict regard for and observance of the natural law are essential as the first step in the attainment

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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