Undoubtedly all of modern Europe and the western Continent, and much of Asia, have drawn much of their knowledge of Science, Art, Literature, Government from Rome: Greatest (except Greece) in the arts of peace; Usurper, Conqueror, destroyer, greatest in war (Mars).

From Imperial Egypt to Imperial Rome seems but a step, yet to Greece must be given the first praise of being the fountain head for the preservation - and indeed origin - of all classic lore; all philosophies that are known to the world; all primal sources of Art, Literature, Science.

Rome has been the distributor. Conquest and "Civilization" seemed to go hand in hand, yet the choicest period of Roman history has come down to modern times through war-clouds, and sometimes defeat.

The world once centered in Rome, as it once centered in Athens, as it once centered in Babylon, as it centered ages ago in Ancient Egypt.

Its history is a world history; its prowess a world prowess. That which remains is the Echo of the past, and we perceive a mighty effort toward the Future.

The "Shadow" that fell across Asia and a part of Europe, the Light that arose in Palestine and - sometimes clouded, sometimes clear - shone over the western world, cannot here be traced.

The learning and Art of today can be traced to these past Nations that stand like Pillars of Light against the dark background that obscures the sacred Temples and citadels of their glory. The Soul has not perished and from Ancient Greece and Rome a Diviner Art, a more sacred meaning of Religion, rises to meet the New Day.