"But, sir, he makes out that everything is for the good of the Church, and to do his bidding is as good as doing God Almighty's. Lord forgive 'em! I know it ain't gospel though."
"Hodge, take my advice: read the Bible for yourself, and see what the Lord God says. Take no man's report, but, like a straightforward fellow, judge for yourself. Popery fears everything, Protestantism nothing, from God's Holy Word. Use your common sense and English birthright, and in the matter of faith and duty, listen first to Him who has told us what to believe, and guides us what to do—God in Christ, reconciling us to Himself. Between your soul and God there is nothing but sin; let that be put away by faith in the blood of His dear Son, and you and God are one, as free to speak and love and trust, as your child to you. Only take this in, my friend, by the power of God's Holy Spirit, and the priest will be much more afraid of you and your influence than you of him and his."
"I do wish, sir, if it baint taking too much of a liberty, somebody might call round, and tell all this to mother; she be greatly feared of this man," said Hodge, earnestly.
"We will see to that. I will call to-morrow, please God, and tell her that she and you are to draw on me for twenty pounds whenever you please, but Mr. Falconer's guineas must go back to him."
"All right, sir; they be in a stocking-foot tucked in among feathers of mother's own bed, against the burying, she says; but I reckon yourn 'll be a deal comfortabler to sleep on. Good-night, sir, and many humble thanks to your honour."
This turn of affairs brought a speedy visit from the priest to the Dowager Mrs. Hodge, but her deafness that day was impenetrable. In vain, he shouted in her ears,—
"You must make your son give up that money: it is sacrilege to keep it."
"Take sacrament? Oh, yes, I'll tell him," said she, demurely.
"Sacrilege, I say: it belongs to the Church. He shall be dismissed Sir Gilbert's service."
"Come with Sir Gilbert's servants? Yes, sir; thank ye, sir; be sure to."