They
turned the statues of gods and heroes into figures of Apostles and
Saints. They knew it would be unwise to deprive the populace of what
they had been so long accustomed to, and therefore they left them
their swinging censers, their gold chalices, and their symbolic
candles. Thus it is that Roman Catholicism became, and is still,
merely a Christian form of Paganism which is made to pay
successfully, just as the feasts and Saturnalia of ancient days were
made to pay as spectacular and theatrical pastimes. I should not
blame your Church if it declared itself to be an offshoot of
Paganism at once,--Paganism, or any other form of faith, deserves
respect as long as its priests and followers are sincere; but when
their belief is a mere pretence, and their system degenerates into a
scheme of making money out of the fond faiths of the ignorant, then
I consider it is time to protest against such blasphemy in the
presence of God and all things divine and spiritual!"
Gherardi had listened to these words very quietly, his countenance
gradually relaxing and smoothing into an amiable expression of
forbearance. He looked up now at Aubrey with a smile that was almost
benignant.
"You are quite right, Mr.
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