THE KEY OF THE MYSTERIES
takable characters the one true religion, that is to say, that
which alone merits the name of religion in that it unites all
the characters which agree with that great and universal
aspiration of the human soul.
One only thing, which is to all most evidently divine, is
manifested in the world.
It is charity.
The work of true religion should be to produce, to
preserve, and to spread abroad the spirit of charity.
To arrive at this end she must herself possess all the
characteristics of charity, in such a manner that one could
define her satisfactorily, in naming her, “ Organic Charity.”
Now, what are the characteristics of charity?
It is St. Paul who will tell us.
Charity is patient.
Patient like God, because it is eternal as He is. It suffers
persecutions, and never persecutes others.
It is kindly and loving, calling to itself the little, and not
repulsing the great.
It is without jealousy. Of whom, and of what, should it
be jealous? Has it not that better part which shall not be
taken away from it?
It is neither quarrelsome nor intriguing.
It is without pride, without ambition, without selfishness,
without anger.
It never thinks evil, and never triumphs by injustice; for
all its joy is comprehended in truth.
It endures everything, without ever tolerating evil.
It believes all; its faith is simple, submissive, hier-
archical, and universal.
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