“To these truths I give my entire assent,” said the Knight.

“I doubt it not—­I doubt it not; but let all take heed, my son, not to exhaust belief in the shadowy region of theory.  Truth should be an armed soldier to step out to deeds.”

“Lord! strengthen me,” said the Knight, humbly.

“Such,” said the father, “is the prayer of every true Catholic.  Forgive me, my son, if, for the refreshing of my own resolution, and the strengthening of thy soul, I repeat familiar truths, but which cannot be too often reiterated, or long enough meditated upon.  Methinks that as I give their vocal sweetness to the air, these old woods do assume a more reverent aspect, and a tide of holier transport streams through my heart.  Holy Jesus!  I would have no will; I would have no mind but thine.  Swallow me up in thine ineffable perfections.”

The two crossed themselves at the sacred name, and the Knight softly said, “Amen.”

“But let us be cautious,” continued the priest, “not to deceive ourselves as do some, who fancy themselves sound, and yet are diseased; who mix up the suggestions of the carnal understanding with heavenly promptings.  Said not holy St. Augustine, credo quia impossibile et?  There are minds too shallow to perceive the profound wisdom of the maxim, and scoff at it as an absurdity.  By God’s grace, my son, we are not of the number.  We see it; we feel it.  Thanks to the discipline wherewith we have been exercised.  Our souls do calmly repose on this truth, and in its strength shall the servants of the church triumph.  What is impossible to man, is possible with God.”

“I embrace this truth,” said Sir Christopher.

“Nor when commanded by a superior is it ours to question, in imaginary wisdom, as is the manner of the world, the propriety of the order.  As an archangel, commissioned by the Supreme Intelligence to execute his decrees, and pour pestilence or famine upon a land devoted to destruction for its sins, may not say what doest thou, so must not a servant of the Order of Jesus doubt the inspiration of him whom he is bound to obey.  Does he so, he is too weak for the post whereunto his presumption has aspired, and false alike to himself and the cause he espoused.  Not unto the weak in mind, but to the strong in faith, is committed the cause of the Church.”

“Holy Father,” said the Knight, “your words probe the secrets of my soul.  I do intend, and practice always, perfect obedience to my superior, knowing that whatever is ordered by him whom the ordinance of God, and of our holy Order hath set over me, I may not only perform without sin, but that the same will redound to my salvation; and yet, in spite of fastings and prayers, do involuntary doubts sometimes creep into my mind, which I hasten to banish, as the whisperings of the devil.”