Sketcher.

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 2, 14 April 1894, Page 6

Sketcher.

THE TEMPLE OF TRUTH. [Contributed.] Life is a many-sided problem; every continent, every nationality, every little isle of tbe sea, and every coterie of each isle contributing its especial puzzle to the vast inexplicability. Christchurch affords a glaring instance in the Temple of Iruth erected and so-styled by Worthington ! Exteriorly the hall is fc not particularly attractive, but its interior realises the very quintessence of refined comfort. The dimensions, designed tor every acoustic advantage, tbe sitting accommodation —individual, and most tastefully devised and arranged ; the mirror panels alternating with large and beautiful specimens of Bore’s weird genius; the numerous vases of exquisitely fresh flowers ; the floor sloping to the spacious platform ; the roomy and perfectly-venti-lated gallery; the colouring—dull red and gold —of the organ, the singers’ robes, and the vestments of the archstudents —sumptuously harmonise in declaring the consummate artist. Adjoining the hall is a fully-stocked library of W orthingtonian truth, irradiated by photographs of the exponent in divers'graceful and effective postures, and presided over by a gushing devotee, who states “ there never ■was sich a man !” A glance through the literature on sale shows it to be an adapted Buddhism; admirable when it really is Buddhism, silly enough when it meanders into anything like originality. In an adjacent building a fairly large kindergarten is conducted by an earnest-looking sisterhood, Avhile other hard-working adherents carry on night school and services of inquiry and guidance. It is not they who tell of denuded households —of widows rendering their whole competence unto one who is regarded by many as a charlatan.

What aAvful possibilities lie in the ascendancy of one mind over others ! Beneficently exei’cised, it has impelled humanity to godlike heights ; hut its malign influence must cause the angels of hope, and peace, and love to sicken with a shuddering despair.