The Mystic Creed

Otago Witness, Issue 1915, 3 August 1888, Page 31

The Mystic Creed

whioh he had taught, and which now began to develop more and more in their hands. After many vicissitudes, they at length sot torth together to Syria; where at the foot of Mount Carmel, in the little town of Haifa, they found at last a home, and passed two or three years of tranquil life shaped more according to the common fashion than had yet been their lot. But this period was of short duration. It was passed in a sort of Mission among the Jews (immigrants from

all parts of the world, whom it is one of ' Laurence Oliphant's many schemes to settle in the Holy Land), and in the evolution of the religious system to which we have referred above. Between them the husband and wife composed a preliminary volume ; ■ which, however, was too mystical and difficult to reach most minds. Neither of them, it seems, could execute this work alone. They, both attempted it separately in vain. It was only when together, one wiiting, the other aiding with close continuous thought, that expression could be given to the mystic doctrines of the new faith. Bat even then the work was too obscure in expression for the ordinary human understanding. Nor till after the event did what was wanted become apparent ; which wculd seem to have been that one of them, the inspiring influence, should first enter within the veil.

Mrs Laurence Oliphant died in the spring of 1886, leaving this world the poorer for a most beautiful and clear spirit, as we should say. But her husband, after the momentary downfall of hope and strength conveyed by such a blow, regarded it differently. To their faith, death becomes almost too trifling an event. For a little while Nature held him and grief, preventing the radiant communications with which she (we are speaking of what Mr Oliphant believes) awaited the reawakening of his life. But that moment of reunion soon came ; and not only comfort but all manner of great and expanding thoughts filled his mind. The inspiring influence of the woman, become