possessing the spirit of the snake, can it be wondered at that it poisons, that it separates brother from brother?”

Then the voice stopped, but it was only for a moment. When it resumed it spoke as from a great distance, but distinctly and with deep tenderness. “Look again at that mass, my son; look how it swells and grows; look how its spirit waxes ever stronger and stronger as the volume increases—contaminating and carrying all that it touches to destruction.” And as this was said I looked again. The pile began to swell and grow; it grew larger and larger; it assumed immense proportions, soon growing beyond the confines of the little shed until it seemed to fill all space. The hissing and seething continued and also increased in volume of sound; many colors now seemed to blend with the living pile. Again the voice spoke and said, “Look at these beautiful, golden, shimmering, glistening coils; beware of being caught in that net of illusion.”

Then I asked, “Why is this—why this condition—what is to be done?” The answer came clearly, sadly, distinctly: “My son, this is man’s creation; what you see is the snake in humanity. It is the spirit of selfishness which is the deadliest of poisons. Listen,—try to show your brother the Way and the Light; bring him to a realization of the True. Show him the folly of living for self. Money is a symbol of perverted power—a concentrated power over your brother man,—a weapon of necessity. causing separation. You say—it buys and is necessary in our dealing and accounting with each other. Yes, granted; it buys—but buys what? It buys his material goods, his smiles, and perhaps his worship; but never—his friendship, nor his love. Listen!—A MONEY CONSIDERATION ALWAYS EXCLUDES THE DEEPER TRUTHS, BY WARPING AND SHRIVELLING THE HEART.”

And then the thought came,—“Can I conquer the snake spirit lurking in money? Can I reach down and use without being used (poisoned)? If so—HOW?” And I walked away trying to solve the problem.