Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

40 DANGER IN THE DARK.
theological speculations; the doctrines and creeds of
men are, with me, light matters; I'm disposed to consider
rather the lives and actions of my fellow-men;
and let me award praise or blame, irrespective of
religious peculiarities and complexionsof faith. ' By
their fruits ye shall know them,' is the language of
Christ. ' A good tree bringeth not forth evil fruit;
neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.'
This rule of judgment, whether given by inspiration
or not, I try to adopt; and am less careful, therefore
to inquire what men believe than what they practice.'
".As you are aware, Squire Delmont, I have no
belief in Romanism - yet I must allow there are
good people among Romanists."
"That I do not a moment question; for beyond
the shadow of a doubt there are many, very many,
pure-hearted and amiable-minded papists. The more
honest and better class of Catholics never come to a
knowledge, unless by accident, of the great wickedness
and corruption of the priesthood. The pious
frauds, stratagems, and intrigues, in which the clergy
often engage, are carefully hidden from the eyes of
such of their own brethren as are not to be made tools
of, and who possess too much integrity and nobleness
of nature to engage in deeds of darkness and perfidy."
"I am willing to admit there are bad priests, and
that some of them have been guilty of wicked conduct;
but still it is but justice to allow that their system
of religion is accomplishing at least some good in
th.eworld,"