The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 06, No. 35, September, 1860 by Various
page 42 of 293 (14%)
page 42 of 293 (14%)
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work would aid.
Their talk was of the Truth, and of the future of the Truth. Well they understood that the spirit roused among the people would not be quieted again,--that what of ferocity in the nature of the bigot and the powerful had been appeased had but for the moment been satisfied. There would be unremitting watch for victims; everywhere the net for the unwary and the fearless would be laid. Blood-thirstiness and lust and covetousness would make grand their disguises,--broad would their phylacteries be made,--shining with sacred gems, their breast-plates. Of course it was of the great God's honor these men would be jealous. This heresy must needs be uprooted, or no knowing where would be the end of the wild growth. And, indeed, there was no disputing the fact that there was danger in open acceptance of such doctrines as defied the authority of priestcraft,--ay, danger to falsehood, and death to falsehood! Fanaticism, cowardice, cruelty, the spirit of persecution, the spirit of authority aroused, ignorance and vanity and foolishness would make themselves companions, no doubt. Should Truth succumb to these? Should Love retreat before the fierce onset of Hate? These brave men said not so. And they looked above them and all human aid for succor,--Jacqueline with them. When Mazurier and Victor Le Roy went away, they left Jacqueline with the wool-comber's mother, but they did not pass by her without notice. Martial lingered for a moment, looking down on the young girl. "She is one of us," said the old woman. |
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