That
I KNOW of him;--and though I do not admire his extreme views on this
point, and do not think them politic, I give him full credit for
this particular and uncommon form of--eccentricity!"
"Or Christianity!" said Gherardi, still smiling.
Moretti pushed aside his papers, and leaning his head on one hand
frowned meditatively at the amethyst light which streamed radiantly
through the jewel-like window above him. "Yes--or Christianity, if
you like!" he said, "For Christianity pur et simple, WOULD be
eccentricity. In its primitive simplicity it is an impossible creed.
Founded by the Divine it needs divine beings to comprehend and
follow it,--beings not of this world nor addicted to the things of
this world. And to exist in the world, made of the world's clay, and
the world's inherited associations, and yet not be of it, is to be
judged crazed! True, there have been saints and martyrs,--there are
saints and martyrs now, unknown and unheard of, but nevertheless
consumed by flames more cruel perhaps than those which physically
burn the flesh;--idealists, thinkers, dreamers, heralds of future
progress,--and how are they estimated? As madmen all! To be human,
and yet above humanity, is the supreme sin! For that very affront
the multitude cried out, 'Not this man, but Barabbas!' And to this
day we all prefer Barabbas to Christ.
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