The Lord of the vineyard biddeth whom He will; not all
are called to the same labour; it may be--for in this matter I see
but darkly--it may be that the earthly strife to which your heart
impels you shall serve the glory of the Highest. As indeed doth
every act of man, for how can it be otherwise? But I speak of the
thought, the purpose, whereby 'in the end of all things, all must be
judged.'
Basil heard these sentences with a deep joy. There was silence, and
when the aged voice again spoke, it was in a tone yet more solemn.
Benedict had risen.
'Answer me, my son, and speak as in the presence of God, whom I
humbly serve. Do you truly repent of the sin whereof you made
confession to me?'
Kneeling, Basil declared his penitence. Thereupon, Benedict, looking
upwards, opened his lips in prayer.
'Receive, O Lord, our humble supplications, and to me, who above all
have need of Thy compassion, graciously give ear. Spare Thou this
penitent, that, by Thy mercy, he may escape condemnation in the
judgment to come. Let him not know the dread of darkness, nor the
pang of fire.
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