But I, who have been down
amongst those fires, I, who know, can tell you this: Not all the
churches of Christ, not all the religious societies ever founded, not
all the combined labours of all the missionaries who ever breathed,
will quench or even abate those flames until they go to their labours in
the name of humanity alone, and free themselves utterly from all the
cursed restrictions and stipulations of their pet creed. Starving men
will mock at the mention of a God of Justice, men who are in torture
body and soul are scarcely likely to respond to the teachings of a God
of Love. Save the bodies of this generation, and the souls of the next
may be within your reach."
They thought then that he had finished. He paused for an unusually long
time. When he spoke again he seemed to have wholly regained his usual
composure. The note of passion had passed from his tone. His cheeks
were once more of waxen pallor. The deliberately-chosen words fell with
a chill sarcasm from his lips.
"His lordship the Bishop of Beeston," he said, "has also thought fit, on
the authority, I presume, of Mr.
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