“They are—­they are the instigations of Sathanas,” said the priest, crossing himself.  “O, my son, whenever these temptations occur, remember thy vows and obligations, and betake thyself more diligently to prayer and penance.  But, Sir Christopher, it becomes me not to address thee as a babe in Christ.  Though it be thy pleasure to remain in an inferior position, thou hast a mind which soars with the highest in the order, and comprehends the theory and working of our regimen.  Upon the divine pattern have we modeled our system, and the operation of the same must run parallel therewith.  As at the head of the Universe Stands the Law-giver and Ruler, so with us; as obedience to him is order and truth, so with us; as to accomplish his purposes he makes use of all influences, tempest, lightning, plague, pestilence, the sword, as well as of the breeze of health, the refreshing rain and golden sunshine, now melting with his smile, and now terrifying with his frown, so do we.  Teaches not God by his example how to govern his world?”

“Aye, possessed we his wisdom,” said the Knight.

“Doubt not, that if with a holy motive we seek to do his will, He will furnish the wisdom.  Blessed unto the children of Israel was their obedience, when hearkening unto Moses, God’s vicegerent to them, they did, stifling all suggestions of infatuated reason which would stamp the deed as a cruelty, put to the edge of the sword thousands of men, women, and children, of the unhappy Canaanites.  Who will doubt it right?  And thinkest thou the authority of Moses over a few wild tribes more prevailing, and an act sanctioned by him a temporary guide, more pleasing than one approved by the successors of St. Peter, more solemnly and extensively invested with the divine power, and destined to exist to the end of the world?  If the offending heathen might lawfully be slaughtered at the command of the Jewish leader, it is impious to shrink from sacrifices like those on the altar of St. Bartholomew, when required by the Vicar of Christ.  If by direction of one entitled to give the order, I slay my brother, my motive being obedience, and the promotion of the interests of the Church, the greater is my reward for overcoming the weakness of the flesh, and forcing it, albeit, reluctant, to obey.  Emptied of myself I am filled with divine grace.  The creature is enabled to be made the sword of the creator.  A higher reason, incomprehensible because so high, is substituted for the lower, and the dogma of St. Augustine becomes an animating principle and a living power.  Try, prove, search, examine thyself, my son, and thou wilt find these doubts do arise from the rebellious reason ever ready to set itself up as God, and to demand the worship which belongs to Him.  Each one would be a law unto himself, and hence as many laws as law-givers.  Let the reason of man prevail, (an impious thought, and an impossible fact,) and the seamless coat of Christ is rent, a deluge of all manner of heresies and abominations follows, and Zion in sackcloth mourns her blighted hopes.  Behold the condition of the world, how it confirms my words!”