Beulah - Page 301/348

"No; reasoning is often fallacious, but reason is divine; reasoning

often clouds the truth, but reason, by spontaneous apperception,

grasps truth," persisted Beulah unhesitatingly.

"Then truth has as many phases, and as antagonistic, as there are

individuals in the universe. All men are prophets; all are alike

inspired; all alike worthy of trust and credence. Spontaneous reason

has grasped a number of oddly conflicting doctrines, let me tell

you, and the reconciliation of these would be an undertaking to

which the dozen labors of Hercules seem a farce."

"The superstitions of various ages and nations are not valid

arguments against the existence of universal and necessary

principles."

"Why, then, have these principles produced no unanimity of faith?

The history of the human race is the history of the rise of one

philosophy and religion from the ashes of its predecessor. There is

one universal belief in the necessity of religion, and this belief

built altars in the dawn of time; but your spontaneous reason is

perpetually changing the idols on these altars. The God of one man's

reason will not satisfy that of his neighbor."

Before Beulah could reply she heard Eugene calling her in the hall,

and was hastening to meet him; but Mr. Lindsay caught her hand, and

said: "You have not yet given me permission to intrude on your

seclusion." She withdrew her hand instantly.

"When you have nothing else to occupy you, and wish to while away an

hour in literary discussion, you will generally find me at home

during vacation."

She walked on and joined Eugene in the hall. Antoinette stood in the

door, and they merely exchanged bows, while Mr. Graham grasped her

hand and earnestly thanked her for the many kindnesses she had

rendered to his family. Beulah looked at the composed, beautiful

face of the young wife, and then at the thin form of the husband,

and said hastily: "You owe me no thanks, sir; the claims of true friendship are

imperative. In removing to his own house I trust Eugene's

improvement may not be retarded."

Antoinette tripped down the steps, and, gathering the flounces of

her costly dress, seated herself in the carriage. Mr. Graham bit his

lip, colored, and, after a cordial good-by, joined her. Eugene

smiled bitterly, and, turning to Beulah, took both her hands in his,

saying feelingly: "Beulah, I leave your house a wiser, if not less miserable man. I am

going to atone for the past; to prove to you that your faith in me

is not altogether unmerited. If I am saved from ruin and disgrace I

owe it to you; and to you I shall look for sympathy and

encouragement. To you, my best friend, I shall often come for

sisterly aid, when clouds gather black and stormy over my miserable

home. God bless you, Beulah! I have promised reformation, and will

keep my promise sacred if it cost me my life."