34 How the Church Has Changed the World corruption of time: where disease is regarded in a religious light, and disaster is thought a blessing, and sympathy is put to the test.” Even the lepers are welcome there, “composers of piteous songs, if any of them have their voice still left to them.” If only we had one now Such were the hospitals, which the Church bequeathed to the world. And now our sick are cared for in buildings twenty stories high, with medicines and machines that Saint Basil could never have imagined. Yet I have a fond hope that someday, amid the un-music of monitors, within the icy white walls, beyond the reach of accountants and executive officers, something of the human, something of the love that touches the soul of man, will return. We all must die, medicine or no. It would be a good thing at least to die among friends, strengthened and cheered by good men of God, and given that last sweet nourishment for the journey; to be with Christ, to receive Christ, on the way to Christ. ••
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