I think it would serve your purpose much more to
carefully study the movements, and the work of what you call 'the
stock-jobbing company of sacerdotal directors,'" and here his smile
became still more broadly benevolent, "and take note of their
divisions and subdivisions of influence which extend from the very
poorest and most abandoned to the very highest and most cultured.
You will then understand why I maintain that Rome as a power is
impregnable;--and why some of the more far-sighted and prophetic
among us look upon the Conversion of England as an almost
accomplished fact!"
Aubrey smiled; but he was not without the consciousness that from
his own particular point of view Gherardi had some excuse for his
belief.
"According to your own written opinions," went on Gherardi, "for I
have read your books,--the Church of England is in a bad way. Its
Ritualistic form is very nearly Roman. Some of your Archbishops
confess to a liking for incense! You admit that the stricter forms
of Protestantism do not comfort the sick soul in times of need;
well, what would you Socialists and Freethinkers have? Would you do
without a Church altogether?"
"No," said Aubrey quickly, "But we would have a purified Church,--a
House of Praise to God--without any superstition or dogma.
Pages:
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483