Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/260

270 “You ought not to leave us yet; ought not to reject the now-offered mercy. Perhaps you may die within the year, and then!—And Lutheranism, what is it, after all? Nothing! A religious doctrine, the origin of which was that Henry VIII., of England, determined to be separated from his wife! People should reflect a little closely on such subjects!”

I was rather amazed at the historical knowledge and sagacity of which the good lady gave proof in these words. I was silent, as I generally am, when I do not feel it worth while to talk; but it could not prevent me from smiling a little to myself. The high spirits and natural good temper of Sœur Geneviève made the parting from her not difficult to me.

I parted from the Carmelite monk, on the contrary, with a sentiment of sincere reverence and gratitude. He has not been able to convince me of the infallibility of his church, nor of its right to be regarded as exclusively the organ of God's truth, neither of the want of ability in unlearned laymen to attain to it by acquaintance with the Saviour, through the Scriptures and prayer; he has, however, convinced me of the earnestness and honesty of the Catholic priest in his faith, and of his great value as a guide of souls when he lives according to his faith, and demands in himself the highest requirements in order to become, not merely a teacher, but even a providence. Men of this class, such as this Carmelite monk, are true priests of the Lord. I have never, not even with my nearest kindred in the faith, carried on a discussion, so continuous, so earnest, so keen, and which yet did not leave behind it a single bitter memory, nay, in