W. It would not surprise thee, peradventure, if thou shouldst inspect more cautiously the influences which operate with them to overcome the truth. Suppose we rise above the wall, and see from above the machinery employed to keep their position secure.
We arose and saw the interior of the castle. “There,” said my guide, “now thou canst judge for thyself. What thou seest, thou hast no need that I tell thee.”
I saw a cloud of witnesses beheaded[A] for the sake of religion. I saw a mind declaiming against cruelty, yet urging his companions to fight the battle, as long as life was spared. “Those who oppose us,” said he “are enemies of God, and in league with the devil. They must be overcome, or our religion will be destroyed. Better that all who are not of us be slain, than that the cause of religion should be swept away. These heretics should not be allowed to corrupt the minds of the people of God, and the people of God will not allow them to do it without resistance even unto death.” When he had concluded his harangue, the Teacher, who had received instruction through the port hole, said, he had just had an interview with a heretic. The heretic had informed him, that no intrusion was contemplated; but he insisted that the people of God contradicted the Bible in their practice. He said that we interpreted the Bible contrary to its express prohibition. I do not agree with all he said, but what to do with his argument, I am not prepared to say. Perhaps the circle can explain the difficulty.
M. This circle will not undertake to explain the objections of infidels. It is sufficient for the circle to resist the works of the devil, and keep itself pure from the heresies, which endanger the salvation of the soul. The circle should warn evil minds of the danger which awaits them, if they do not repent, and get religion; and I can see no way to do it, more effectually, than to treat them with silent contempt.
T. Ought not the circle to obey the Scriptures?
M. They ought to do their duty, and that duty is made plain by its own covenant obligations.
T. How can our covenant obligations contradict the Scriptures?
M. They do not.
T. How do we fulfil our covenant obligations, unless we meet the arguments of heretics?
M. Who has made you a heretic?