"--I bowed again, lifting my hat, and he
went on.-- "I am now going to put his courage in the cause he has
espoused to a severe test--to a trial at which common nature
would revolt, but he who is dedicated to be the sword of the Lord
must raise himself above common humanity. You have a father
and a brother according to the flesh: what do you know of them?"
"I am sorry to say I know nothing good," said I. "They are
reprobates, castaways, beings devoted to the Wicked One, and,
like him, workers of every species of iniquity with greediness."
"They must both fall!" said he, with a sigh and melancholy look.
"It is decreed in the councils above that they must both fall by
your hand."
"The God of Heaven forbid it!" said I. "They are enemies to
Christ and His Church, that I know and believe; but they shall
live and die in their iniquity for me, and reap their guerdon when
their time cometh. There my hand shall not strike."
"The feeling is natural, and amiable," said he. "But you must
think again. Whether are the bonds of carnal nature or the bonds
and vows of the Lord strongest?"
"I will not reason with you on this head, mighty potentate," said I,
"for whenever I do so it is but to be put down.
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