“Is your remark intended as a reproach, Professor Beck?” asked the Russian.
“I refer only to historical facts,” replied the professor. “My personal opinion has nothing to do with it.”
“And I must openly acknowledge to you my belief that Germany acts very prudently in imitating the Russian method in treating defiant Catholics!” retorted the governor.
“Then, we shall have violence done to conscience, and the destruction of human liberty in the highest sense of the word,” said the professor. “From this tyranny of conscience would result, as a natural consequence, a state of slavery and a demoralized condition of affairs. Religion would cease to ennoble man, because her enemies would misrepresent her doctrines in such a way that she would cease to be the revelation of God; she would become a machine of the state, and this machine would be called a National Church—a hideous thing that would prove to be the grave of all liberty. Finally, an abyss would open, and swallow up the whole; for Almighty God will not suffer the wickedness of man to go beyond a certain length. History records his punishments; as, for example, the Deluge, the destruction of the kingdoms belonging to the Babylonians and Persians, the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Jewish nation.”
Rasumowski was about to answer, when the Jesuit father rose from his chair.
“Sir!” said he to Adolph von Sempach, “you have, in truth, performed a work of mercy. May the Lord in heaven reward you!”
“He has already done so, your reverence!” replied Von Sempach, with a look at Alexandra’s vacant seat.
“Accept my grateful thanks, your honor!” said Indura to the Russian.
“That will do!” interrupted the governor. “The commissioner is waiting for you.”
Adolph left the room with the priest.