"Certainly, Carol; if it is something you want to know."
"It is something I often think about, Uncle. Are there any 'shepherds in Israel' now? Can you tell me?"
"Why, of course, Carol; Israel typifies the Christian world, and God's ministers are His shepherds."
"Yes, Uncle, that was what I thought. Is God not angry now with the shepherds? I often read the 34th chapter of Ezekiel. God was very angry with the shepherds of that time. He said, 'Woe be to the shepherds, because they had not healed that which was sick, nor strengthened that which was diseased, nor bound up that which was broken, neither had they sought out that which was lost.'"
"There have been times in history, Carol, when God's ministers--His shepherds--have been able to heal the sick, but for generations the healing power has been withheld.
"Yes, Uncle, I understand that. For many centuries before Jesus came the healing power had been lost. He brought it back, and taught his disciples how to heal the sick. Then at the end of only three centuries it was lost; and again after many centuries God has sent a messenger to bring it back, but not everyone will listen to the message."
The boy spoke reflectively, as one thinking aloud, not addressing either his uncle or his aunt.
"Raymond," said Mrs. Mandeville quickly (she noted the growing anger on the Rector's face), "Carol has a way of thinking about things he reads in the Bible. His thoughts have often helped me. He does not mean to--to reproach you. Will you tell me, dear Raymond, have you ever read this book which you condemn so strongly?"
"I have not read it, Emmeline. One does not need to read Mrs. Eddy's books to condemn them. The press criticisms and extracts I have read were quite enough for me. Since Carol's father wished him to have a copy of the book, I cannot keep it from him. Otherwise I should, most certainly. I can only pray that he may ultimately see the error of its teaching."
"The fruit is so good," Mrs. Mandeville said softly. "I can only judge by that, until I have studied the book myself, which I intend to do. I think, Carol, darling, you must run back to the school-room now, or you will be late for lessons. Leave your little book with me. You know it will be quite safe, and come to me after school."