Consider the fierce stone features of its face
a vaccination of demonic strain,
a backfire lit on purpose to contain
hell’s wildfire outside this glade of grace.
For if the tale is true, it’s put in place
to scare the scarer”a sort of devil’s bane
that guards the Lord Christ’s castle and domain,
protecting teaching seat and sacred space.
But subtler, more clever than that tale,
the architect who realized that the course
of rain from roof to street below could flow
through mocking masks avenged the first betrayal:
Making downspouts of demons, he would force
Satan to carry water for his Foe.
Dear Reader,
Can I be direct with you?
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First Things is the antidote: literary excellence, timeless truths, and a fixed point of reference in a culture that has lost its bearings.
But we can’t do it without readers like you.
Our goal: Raise $150,000 by November 1 to sustain First Things in the year ahead.
Your gift anchors readers in the permanent things.
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If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Giovanni Del Piero, Director of the Editor’s Circle, at gdelpiero@firstthings.com or 212-627-1985.
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