I assure you, our Church
considers everything that is necessary for the welfare of its
weakest brethren."
"Yes,--I grant you that it is full of subtle means for approaching
and commanding the ignorant," said Aubrey. "But to the intellectual
forces it offers no progress."
"The intellectual forces can clear their own way!" declared
Gherardi, rising to his full imposing height, and beaming sovereign
benevolence on his visitor, "and can, if they choose, make their own
Church. This is the age of freedom, and no restraint is placed on
the action of the intellectually free. But the ignorant must always
form the majority; and in their ignorance and helplessness, will do
wisely to remain like obedient children under the sway of Rome!"
Aubrey rose also, and could not forbear an involuntary glance of
reluctant admiration at the stately figure and commanding attitude
of the man who confronted him with such a pride in the persistent
Jesuitical conviction that even a Lie may be used in religion for
the furtherance of conversion to the Truth.
"I do not see," Gherardi went on, smiling blandly, "why after all,
you should not be received by the Holy Father. I will try to arrange
it for you. But it would avail you very little, I imagine, as he is
not strong, and would not be capable of conversing with you for more
than a few minutes.
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