wealth of individuals was thus enormously excessive; but the
ecclesiastic, in his great excitement, seemed scarcely listening to
him, went to his book-case, took down a great Bible, and opening to a
passage, handed the book to Eric.

"There, just read; that is the only way that Roland can be educated.
Read aloud."

Eric complied, and read:--

"And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and
kneeled to him and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may
inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him. Why callest thou me
good? there is none good but one, that is God. Thou knowest the
commandments,--Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do
not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honor thy father and mother. And
he answered and said unto him. Master, all these things have I observed
from, my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him.
One thing thou lackest; go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give
to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, take up
the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away
grieved; for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about,
and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches
enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his
words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them. Children, how
hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of
God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than
for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God!"

"And now stand up and tell me," said the priest, in a trembling voice,
"tell me honestly, is not that the one and only method?"

"Honestly, no: I love and revere him of whom this is told, perhaps more
than many a church-believer, and it is particularly affecting to me,
and at this moment wonderfully touching is that passage, where it is
said here,--Then Jesus beholding him loved him. I see the handsome rich
young man in the presence of the sublime Master; the young man is
glowing and filled with a genuine ardor; then the Master dearly loves
him as he looks into his countenance. However--"

"That is incidental, that is incidental. Speak to the main subject,"
the priest interrupted.

"According to my view of the subject," Eric replied, "I must own that I
consider this teaching to have been given at a time when all actual
might, the power of the State, riches, and all