“The most precious doctrine, if one may say so, in the whole Bible, is that of Adoption. God by the mouth of his apostle Paul tells us that God adopts some for his children, and leaves the rest. If because of this you say he is not infinite in mercy, when the Bible says he is, you are guilty of blasphemy.”
In a tone calm to solemnity, Donal answered—
“God’s mercy is infinite; and the doctrine of Adoption is one of the falsest of false doctrines. In bitter lack of the spirit whereby we cry Abba, Father, the so-called Church invented it; and it remains, a hideous mask wherewith false and ignorant teachers scare God’s children from their Father’s arms.”
“I hate sentiment—most of all in religion!” said Miss Carmichael with contempt.
“You shall have none,” returned Donal. “Tell me what is meant by Adoption.”
“The taking of children,” answered Miss Carmichael, already spying a rock ahead, “and treating them as your own.”
“Whose children?” asked Donal.
“Anyone’s.”
“Whose,” insisted Donal, “are the children whom God adopts?”
She was on the rock, and a little staggered. But she pulled up courage and said—