According to Bouvard, it had been of hardly any use, since nearly all mankind would be damned, in spite of the sacrifice of Our Lord.
“But every day He renews it in the Eucharist.”
“And whatever be the unworthiness of the priest,” said Pécuchet, “the miracle takes place at the words.”
“There is the mystery, sir.”
Meanwhile Victor had riveted his eyes on the gun, and he even tried to touch it.
“Down with your paws!” And M. de Mahurot took a long path through the wood.
The clergyman had placed Pécuchet on one side of him and Bouvard at the other, and said to the latter:
“Attention, you know. Debetur pueris.”
Bouvard assured him that he humbled himself in the presence of the Creator, but was indignant at their having made Him a man. We fear His vengeance; we work for His glory. He has every virtue: an arm, an eye, a policy, a habitation.
“ ‘Our Father, who art in heaven,’ what does that mean?”