[John Ward, Preacher by Margaret Deland]@TWC D-Link bookJohn Ward, Preacher CHAPTER XXVI 27/37
See here, Helen, if the man is so determined, you'll have to change your views, or go back to your old views, I mean,--I don't know what you do believe,--that's all there is about it." Helen was unfolding John's letter, and she looked up at her uncle with a fleeting smile.
"Change my views so that I can go back? Do you think that would satisfy John? Do you think I could? Why, uncle Archie, do you believe in eternal damnation? I know you pray to be delivered from it in the Litany, but do you believe in it ?" "That has nothing to do with the question, Helen," he answered, frowning, "and of course I believe that the consequences of sin are eternal." "You know that is not what the prayer means," she insisted; "you have to put your private interpretation upon it.
Well, it is my private interpretation which John thinks is sin, and sin which will receive what it denies." "Well, you must believe it, then," the rector said, striking his fist on the arm of his chair; "it is the wife's place to yield; and while I acknowledge it is all folly, you must give in." "You mean," she said, "that I must say I believe it.
Can I change a belief? You know I cannot, uncle Archie.
And when you hear what John says, you will see I must be true, no matter where truth leads me." Helen knew every word of that letter by heart.
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