22/29 The power of the priesthood was supreme. Florry, I do admit that what remained of light and learning was hid in the cell of the anchorite; not disseminated, but effectually concealed. They forgot our Saviour's injunction--'Let your light shine before men.' Oh! Florry, did not the teachers of the dark ages put their light under a bushel? It is part of their system to keep the masses in ignorance. How truly it has been said that Rome asked but one thing, and that Luther denied her--'A fulcrum of ignorance on which to rest that lever by which she can balance the world.' They dare not allow their people light and knowledge; and what to others was indeed a dark age, is regarded by the priests of Rome as a golden season. |