Were he a monk even,
seclusion and devotion might protect, study might withdraw him from
many temptations. Were he a secular priest, the active and definite
duties of a parish, fulfilling and inculcating the obligations of
Christian morals, which are the same in every church, might have
tasked his energies. But, to be all his life a wandering beggar, in
the name of God and St. Francis! If enthusiasts are to be pitied, how
much more those who, without being, are compelled to lead the life of
enthusiasts! Is it wonderful that many of these men are apostles only
of ignorance and profligacy?"
"But this young man has a mind too active and enquiring for contented
ignorance," said Lady Mabel. "From his very nature he must go on
adding fact to fact, and thought to thought."
"Until he has built up a system of his own," answered L'Isle. "And, a
hundred chances to one, that will not coincide with the teachings of
St. Francis and of Rome. What must he do, then? He, a professed
Franciscan, has lost his faith in St. Francis, in Rome, perhaps in
Christ!--known to him only through Rome. Must he persevere? or shall
he abjure? Between hypocrisy and martyrdom, he now must choose.
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