actice always, perfect obedience to my
superior, knowing that whatever is ordered by him whom the ordinance
of God, and of our holy Order hath set over me, I may not only perform
without sin, but that the same will redound to my salvation; and yet,
in spite of fastings and prayers, do involuntary doubts sometimes
creep into my mind, which I hasten to banish, as the whisperings of
the devil."

"They are--they are the instigations of Sathanas," said the priest,
crossing himself. "O, my son, whenever these temptations occur,
remember thy vows and obligations, and betake thyself more diligently
to prayer and penance. But, Sir Christopher, it becomes me not to
address thee as a babe in Christ. Though it be thy pleasure to remain
in an inferior position, thou hast a mind which soars with the highest
in the order, and comprehends the theory and working of our regimen.
Upon the divine pattern have we modeled our system, and the operation
of the same must run parallel therewith. As at the head of the
Universe Stands the Law-giver and Ruler, so with us; as obedience to
him is order and truth, so with us; as to accomplish his purposes he
makes use of all influences, tempest, lightning, plague, pestilence,
the sword, as well as of the breeze of health, the refreshing rain and
golden sunshine, now melting with his smile, and now terrifying with
his frown, so do we. Teaches not God by his example how to govern his
world?"

"Aye, possessed we his wisdom," said the Knight.

"Doubt not, that if with a holy motive we seek to do his will, He will
furnish the wisdom. Blessed unto the children of Israel was their
obedience, when hearkening unto Moses, God's vicegerent to them, they
did, stifling all suggestions of infatuated reason which would stamp
the deed as a cruelty, put to the edge of the sword thousands of men,
women, and children, of the unhappy Canaanites. Who will doubt it
right? And thinkest thou the authority of Moses over a few wild tribes
more prevailing, and an act sanctioned by him a temporary guide, more
pleasing than one approved by the successors of St. Peter, more
solemnly and extensively invested with the divine power, and destined
to exist to the end of the world? If the offending heathen might
lawfully be slaughtered at the command of the Jewish leader, it is
impious to shrink from sacrifices like those on the altar of St.
Bartholomew, when required by the Vicar of Christ. If by direction of
one entitled to give t