Who shows clearly his temperament?
_Father Felician's Rebuke._
Lesson IX, Lines 460-486.
(To me, this selection is one of the finest in the poem. It is a fine
tribute to _character_. We have in this and the preceding lesson two
pictures in marked contrast. Recall the effects the Mandate must have had
on the pioneers; how we of the class would feel if we now received such an
order. Think of the homes made by long years of patient toil, the familiar
and much loved scenes--all that made life dear--must be left behind and life
begun anew amid strange scenes and among strange people. What utter despair
must have possessed them.)
What scene of wild passion Father Felician met when he opened the church
door! Could force have quieted this mob? Could they have been _made_ quiet?
Then Father Felician enters, raises his hand and stillness reigns. What
causes this great change? What wisdom does the priest show? Does he say
much? To what does he turn their thoughts? Why? Who is the "Prince of
Peace"? What great character in history had a like power over a multitude?
Was it a great thing that the people could say from their hearts "O Father,
Forgive Them"? Who said it before this? The evening service is held
and quiet after the storm.
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