to obedience by mild
means if they will suffice--by harsh, if necessary."

"To these truths I give my entire assent," said the Knight.

"I doubt it not--I doubt it not; but let all take heed, my son, not to
exhaust belief in the shadowy region of theory. Truth should be an
armed soldier to step out to deeds."

"Lord! strengthen me," said the Knight, humbly.

"Such," said the father, "is the prayer of every true Catholic.
Forgive me, my son, if, for the refreshing of my own resolution, and
the strengthening of thy soul, I repeat familiar truths, but which
cannot be too often reiterated, or long enough meditated upon.
Methinks that as I give their vocal sweetness to the air, these old
woods do assume a more reverent aspect, and a tide of holier transport
streams through my heart. Holy Jesus! I would have no will; I would
have no mind but thine. Swallow me up in thine ineffable perfections."

The two crossed themselves at the sacred name, and the Knight softly
said, "Amen."

"But let us be cautious," continued the priest, "not to deceive
ourselves as do some, who fancy themselves sound, and yet are
diseased; who mix up the suggestions of the carnal understanding with
heavenly promptings. Said not holy St. Augustine, _credo quia
impossibile et_? There are minds too shallow to perceive the profound
wisdom of the maxim, and scoff at it as an absurdity. By God's grace,
my son, we are not of the number. We see it; we feel it. Thanks to the
discipline wherewith we have been exercised. Our souls do calmly
repose on this truth, and in its strength shall the servants of the
church triumph. What is impossible to man, is possible with God."

"I embrace this truth," said Sir Christopher.

"Nor when commanded by a superior is it ours to question, in imaginary
wisdom, as is the manner of the world, the propriety of the order. As
an archangel, commissioned by the Supreme Intelligence to execute his
decrees, and pour pestilence or famine upon a land devoted to
destruction for its sins, may not say what doest thou, so must not a
servant of the Order of Jesus doubt the inspiration of him whom he is
bound to obey. Does he so, he is too weak for the post whereunto his
presumption has aspired, and false alike to himself and the cause he
espoused. Not unto the weak in mind, but to the strong in faith, is
committed the cause of the Church."

"Holy Father," said the Knight, "your words probe the secrets of my
soul. I do intend, and pr