frightful consequences of
the overthrow of the temple of Serapis, on that point she was completely
reassured, and she prepared to listen with greater attention as Eusebius
went on:

"Let us rejoice, beloved! The great idol's days are numbered! Do you
know what that false worship has been in our midst? It has been like
a splendid and richly-dressed trireme sailing, plague-stricken, into a
harbor full of ships and boats. Woe to those who allow themselves to be
tempted on board by the magnificence of its decorations! How great is
their chance of infection, how easily they will carry it from ship to
ship, and from the ships on to the shore, till the pestilence has
spread from the harbor to the city! Let us then be thankful to those who
destroy the gorgeous vessel, who drive it from amongst us, or sink or
burn it. May our Father in Heaven give courage to their hearts, strength
to their hands and blessing on their deeds! When we hear: 'Great Serapis
has fallen to the earth and is no more, we and the world are free from
him!' then, in this city, and wherever Christians dwell and worship, let
a solemn festival be held.

"But still let us be just, still let us bear in mind all the great and
good gifts that the trireme brought to our parents when it rode the
waves manned by a healthy crew. If we do, it will be with sincere pity
that we shall watch the proud vessel sink to the bottom, and we shall
understand the grief of those whom once it bore over ebb and flow, and
who believe they owe every thing to it. We shall rejoice doubly, too,
to think that we ourselves have a safe bark with stout planks and strong
masts, and a trustworthy pilot at the helm; and that we may confidently
invite others to join us on board as soon as they have purified
themselves of the plague with which they have been smitten.

"I think you will all have understood this parable. When Serapis falls
there will be lamentation and woe among the heathen; but we, who are
true Christians, ought not to pass them by, but must strive to heal and
save the wounded and sick at heart. When Serapis falls you must be the
physicians--healers of souls, as the Lord hath said; and if we desire to
heal, our first task must be to discover in what the sufferings consist
of those we wish to succor, for our choice of medicine must depend on
the nature of the injury.

"What I mean is this: None can give comfort but those who know how to
sympathize with the soul that craves it, w