Then silence fell upon the contesting hosts as the Angel of Mercy appeared before the throne of grace on bended knees.
Sweet was the voice which said entreatingly:—
"O, Father, create Thou man; make him Thine own noble image. With heavenly pity will I fill his heart, with sympathy toward every living thing impress his being; through him will they find cause to praise Thee."
Then the Angel of Mercy ceased, and the Angel of Peace with tearful eyes spoke thus:—
"O God, create him not! Thy peace he will disturb, the flow of blood, will follow sure his coming. Confusion, horror, war, will blot the earth, and Thou wilt no longer find a pleasant place among Thy works on earth."
Then spoke in stern tones the Angel of Justice:—
"And Thou wilt judge him, God; he shall be subject to my sway."
The Angel of Truth approached, saying:—
"Cease! O God of truth, with man Thou sendest falsehood to the earth."
Then all were silent, and out of the deep quietness the Divine words came:—