"O yes, I do; and I am delighted when I see them embodied in a living character; but they must be blended to produce their full effect."
"But is not the beauty of religion more attractive than its grandeur?"
"It may be so to some persons, but not to me. I prefer a mind that can discourse on the doctrines of Christianity in a style of speech which bears some analogy to their sublime greatness."
"I hope, dear Emma," said Miss Holmes, "you do not now feel that strong antipathy to the Corries which you have heretofore manifested; for though they are weak Christians, yet you must acknowledge they are pious."
"Yes, they may be pious," replied Emma, with some sarcastic warmth of manner; "but who that has any feeling of respect for the honour of Christianity does not regret that their piety is not confined to a cloister? Mrs. Kent exhibits the beauty of religion, the Corries its deformity: Mrs. Kent would make an infidel believe, but the Corries would make a Christian doubt; she, by the artless simplicity of her instructions, would
... 'rear the tender thought,
And teach the young idea how to shoot;'
till the principle of grace grows up laden with the fruits of righteousness; they, by their vanity and self-conceit, their dogmatism, and perverse obstinacy of opinion, would shake the strongest faith. Or, to speak in plain terms, such Christians as the Corries should never speak on religious subjects in the presence of the irreligious; for if they do, they will confirm the enmity which they wish to subdue, and give a degree of encouragement to sin which they do not intend."
The old woman had just finished reading a letter when the young ladies entered her cottage; and though she received them with her usual kind manner, yet she could not conceal the powerful agitation of her feelings.
"I hope," said Miss Holmes, "we are not intruding."
"No, Miss, I am very glad to see you; and I hope you will not allow my distress to give you any trouble."