Page:The Praises of Amida, 1907.djvu/28

 inefficient efforts; and how can we, that are choked and blinded by the smoke and dust of the fire, find our own way out from the Flames of Suffering? Other forms of religion, again, exhort us to forsake our sins, and follow after virtue,—a thing, alas! beyond the power of most of us, seeing that we are exhausted by the sufferings which Error has brought in its train, and have no strength to leap over the surrounding wall of flame that envelopes the house. How can we of ourselves forsake our sins, follow after virtue, and break through the Flames of Suffering? It is impossible for us to put our trust in Learning or Philosophy, or even in the great majority of religious systems, and if we cannot find some more certain means of Salvation we must remain where we are,—hopelessly surrounded by the roaring flames of Suffering that has no end.

9. But what is that glad sound? It is the name of the Buddha of Endless Light and Life, to whom we ascribe all glory. Surrounded by the flames of Suffering, above, below, and on