The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1913-02-15

u0TUS OI lTT0lSlOu anu uTdQK from the
fountain of agnosticism 1t was my
lot to deal with him once, at his
mothers request. He laughed at my
old world ideas, and. with cold
curve of his lips, he flung at me his
glazing sophisms, and then shrugged
his shoulders at my convincing proofs. >
The speaker gazed fixedly at the
floor, a slight furrow creasing his
brow, as though the recollection trou-
bled him.
I'm spite of my adverse attitude
Father Langtry said, there is a per-
sistent something calling to me, tell
ing me to go, go. At such times as
this, l am led to believe that in his
Utmost soul he desires me, and l think
that my presence will be of some avail
l am almost inclined to believe in the
mental telepathy theory of which l
was just reading"
eff that is the way you feel, my son,
go and happy results will follow"
Father Dome was silent for a min
ute, then continued:
There is something more than mere
humbug in this new theory of mental
telepathy."
"Then you believe in it, Father" the
younger man asked surprised.
81 said new theory" Father Dome
continued, unheeding the question,
"but should have said new name, for
like modernism and appendicitis, it is
merely a new dress on an old doll
Today we call this thing telepathy; in
the olden days it was the promptings
of the Spirit or the whispering of our
good angel. In those days when per-
sons far apart had kindred thoughts,
aspirations and desires, and when one
soul in distress called for another, we
always said Divine Providence led
them together; the one to love and
help and sustain the other. Today
we are told that thoughts flash from
one soul to another through like or
unlike ether waves, and there is set
up in each mind wireless telegraph
station"
The younger priest smiled at the
quaint and vehement manner of Father
Donne If any so-called new religion
sprang into existence, he would look
back through the vistas of antiquity
and seek to know what name is bore
He maintained that men were like
Ixion, strapped to wheel and con-
tinually whirled around, now standing
on their heads, now on their feet
Nature is constantly repeating herself
in the minds of men, was his old
axiom, and this happy faculty led him
to explain new theories in the light of
the past. In many cases he was cor
rect.
81 am never over sanguine when |
read the bubble-theories of our later
day psychical scientists, Father Lang
try said.
His companion did not answer, but
continued to gaze longingly at a pic
ture on the opposite wall. Then he
turned his head toward the young
priest.
"You have some time to spare be-
fore your visit. Sit down and shall
tell you story. When l shall have
finished, you may ask the questions;
what is the use? is it telepathy? or
you may say bosh. If you do not wish
to answer your self-questioning, be a
Sphinx"
Father Langtry took his usual chair
opposite his superior, waiting in
hushed expectancy for the pastors
next words. A story from Father
Donne's lips was always interesting,
because it was like page taken from
the book of experience.
"The incident l shall relate hap
pened years ago." the elder priest
said, leaning forward, his elbows rest
ing on the arms of the chair. 1T is a
story of two young college men whose
lives were connected by the closest
bonds of intimacy. They were class
mates, and each seemed to understand
the good and bad qualities Of the
other.
Chester Davis was calm, quiet
young man, who gravely considered
and weighed all things before passing
an opinion upon them. Frank Naugh-
ton was of nervous temperament
Quick in thought and action he pos
sessed a fiery nature, and his head
long impetuosity coupled with his per-
verseness of will often led him into
difficulties.
Davis in his cool logical manner
had carefully studied his friends char
h. - eSl
of his nature.
Although the two were built upon
different lines, still their thoughts
and opinions were directed along the
same channels. The one reaching his
conclusion by slow process of rea-