Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/163

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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
161

to act as champions in the defence of truth, and in the propagation of the 'righteous cause' you both so warmly and zealously espouse."

"I fear," replied the Doctor, "that such defence or opposition would be of little use at the present. However, I am happy to add, that in contemplating the state of the world, as it now is, we may discover an orderly progression towards the establishment of a more enlightened and purer worship. Our active missionaries and faithful clergy are engaged in removing the rubbish."

"By sweeping away the idols," remarked the General.

"Assuredly, and by laying the foundation of the Redeemer's kingdom, in the extensive circulation of the literal Word."

"By which means, and by a superior administration, you suppose, Doctor, the superstructure of its internal sense will follow, in due time."

"The first approaches to the Lord's kingdom," rejoined the Doctor, "are made by appearances of truth, the purity of which would prove at first too dazzling; the kingdom of fear must likewise be passed through before we can arrive at the confines of the kingdom of love."

"Thus, my dear Doctor, to arrive more speedily at this happy end, it is my opinion we should blend