ated by your
recent bereavement. But, further--and I say this in confidence to
you--His Eminence and I have discussed these very matters to which you
refer, and have long seen the need of certain changes within the
Church which will redound to her glory and usefulness. And you must know
that the Holy Father in Rome also recognizes these needs, and sees,
too, the time when they will be met. However, his great wisdom
prevents him from acting hastily. You must remember that our blessed
Saviour suffered many things to be so for the time, although he knew
they would be altered in due season. So it is with the Church. Her
children are not all deep thinkers, like yourself, but are for the most
part poor and ignorant people, who could not understand your high
views. They must be led in ways with which they are familiar until
they can be lifted gradually to higher planes of thought and conduct.
Is it not so? You are one who will do much for them, my son--but you
will accomplish nothing by attempting suddenly to overthrow the
established traditions which they reverence, nor by publicly prating
about the Church's defects. Your task will be to lead them gently,
imperceptibly, up out of darkness into the light, which, despite your
accusations, _does_ shine in the Church, and is visible to all who
rightly seek it. You have yet four years in the _Seminario_. You gave
us your promise--the Rincon word--that you would lay aside these
doubts and questionings until your course was completed. We do not
hold you--_but you hold yourself to your word_! Our sincere advice
is that you keep your counsel, and silently work with us for the Church
and mankind. The Church will offer you unlimited opportunities for
service. She is educating you. Indeed, has she not generously given you
the very data wherewith you are enabled now to accuse her? You will
find her always the same just, tolerant, wise Mother, leading her
children upward as fast as they are able to journey. Her work is
universal, and she is impervious to the shafts of envy, malice, and
hatred which her enemies launch at her. She has resources of which you
as yet know nothing. In the end she will triumph. You are offered an
opportunity to contribute toward that triumph and to share in it.
His Eminence knows that you will not permit Satan to make you reject
that offer now."

The secretary's sharp, beady eyes looked straight into those of the
youth, and held him. His small, round head, with