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WAR AND THE

the end, whatsoever the matter may be, he will find that it cannot be explained to him. He seeks the Lost Word, but he finds merely a substituted word, a symbol, which is a part of the truth, or an image of the truth, but not the whole and perfect truth. This being so with respect to small things, is it then wonderful that it should be so with respect to great things? If there are enigmas in points and lines and surfaces, is it not to be expected that there should be greater enigmas in the vast scheme of all things? We say that we do not understand how an Almighty and most merciful Father can allow the abomination of the war—can allow any pain or anguish of body or spirit. But have we the slightest ground for expecting to understand this; or any other problem?

In a sense, then, it is idle to seek