' The Head of the Church of God is God
himself, the only infallible and just. Thinkest thou that He would have
us obey a command conceived in error, with intention to exclude from
every benefit of our Holy Church, in the hour when they most need divine
comfort and protection, those who would faithfully do him service? Thus
read we not the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father!"
"Most Reverend Father," she cried, clasping her hands in extremity.
"How shall a weak, untaught woman reason with the Counsellor of Venice!
I know not where the words are written--but, somewhere, Fra Francesco
hath taught me, yet his soul is loving--there is a thought of the
vengeance of God, and it is terrible! Day and night there is no other
vision in my soul but this--of the _vengeance of God_, poured out upon
the disobedient. For this the blessed Mater Dolorosa of San Donato
weepeth ceaselessly. Love is for those who serve him; but
vengeance--here and hereafter--for those who disobey. Oh, my Father! for
every human soul in Venice--the helpless women, who have no power but
prayer, which is but insult while God's face is hidden--the little
children who have done no harm--Madre Beatissima, how can we bear it!"
"Nay, nay, my daughter, for our Father is righteous and merciful.
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