h consigns
all such to the flames, and to the fire of eternal wrath hereafter!"
roared the infuriate priest, whose choler waxed hotter in proportion as
he felt unable to withstand the conclusion of his opponent.

"For," as it has been observed, even by some of the most enlightened
Catholics themselves,[18] "theological animosity, so far from being an
argument of men's conviction in their opposite sects, is a certain proof
that they have never reached any serious persuasion with regard to these
sublime subjects. Even those who are most impatient of contradiction in
other controversies, are mild and moderate in comparison of polemical
divines; and whenever a man's knowledge and experience give him a
perfect assurance in his own opinion, he regards with contempt rather
than anger the opposition and mistakes of others. But while men
zealously maintain what they neither clearly comprehend nor entirely
believe, they are shaken in their imagined faith by the opposite
persuasion, or even doubts of other men, and vent on their antagonists
that anger and impatience which is the natural result of this state of
the understanding."

"Master," cried Wrinstone, "shall I fetch the bridle that we so oft use
for scolds and ill women?"

"Ay, do, prithee run, Roger," said the child, hastily, and looking
towards him, "for my grandfather's priest is like to need it soon."

At this the worthy professor of Christian charity and good-will, darting
a furious look at the girl, exclaimed--

"Sir Roger, beware lest this viper thou art hatching be suffered to
sting us. Look to it! This minion of thine is not too young either to
work mischief or to escape its punishment!"

Whereupon Sir Roger, mightily afraid of his spiritual guide and granter
of indulgences, rebuked the offending little one, and ordered her out of
the room. With some difficulty this command was executed; but the
disturbance at the door became so loud, that they were fain again to
admit her, upon a sullen promise that she would behave in a more
reverent manner to the priest, and refrain from interruption.

"Answer me no more with thy deep and devilish sublety," continued this
champion of the Catholic faith; "for of a truth the devil doth
wonderfully aid and abet ye in all disputes touching this holy
sacrament; but show me thy belief in regard to so wholesome and
comfortable a doctrine."

"I have answered before, as far as my weak understanding will permit,
and by God's grac