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Show 114 NARRATIVE OF conscience, and my heart. I this day glory in being an infidel." "Oh 1 Albert, Albert I" cried Mary, ancl burst into tears. Albert seeing he hac! wonndecl the feelings of one he Jovecl so dearly, tried to soothe her by remarking that he hac! met at the North with some persons who maintained that the Bible was misunderstood and misinterpreted by the most of the commentators and theologians, and that when rightly explained and rc· ccived, would be found to be perfectly in harmony with the sympathies and philanthropic emotions of the human heart, and with the principles of cnlight· ened reason. But as these persons were generally called fanatical and visionary, be had not pnid much attention to their strictures. "I intend, however/" be added, "to take an early opportunity to investigate the Bible for myself, and if it prove itself to he better than its commentators nnd expounders, perhaps I shall become a Christian. But I cannot he a Chris· tian if Christianity props np slaveholding and piracy." Here the conversation was interrupted by the en· trance of a messenger, who announced that every preparation had been made, and that Mr. Gillon and ALBERT AND MARY. 115 Miss St. Clair could now go on board the mcrcl10nt vessel. On rising to depart, Albert with much feeling addressed tl1c Captain: "Captain Templeton, we arc much indebted to yott for saving our lives, and for the hospitality and very kind attentions we have received. I would that I could repay you in some way. But you will pardon me, so young a. man, for cxprcssi ng the profound wish of my heart, that you wou]cl abandon this horrible life, and no longer delude yourself with the idea that the Bible is the highest authority for the regulation of man1s li.fe. Recognize every man, everywhere, as your brother, and treat all as you have treated Mary and mysclf,-trcat all as your own heart, left to its most benevolent promptings, woulcl dictate, and (the Bible to the contrary notwithstanding) you will please Gocl better than you can clo by any adherence to theo· logical dogmas, that make the Almighty the author of piracy, slavery, ·wn.r1 death-penalties, and such like institutions ancl praetices.n "And I, too, hope," replied Captain Templeton, "that you will look into this matter with care, and come to the conclusion to follow that good book rather than the ignis fatuus of mere human reason |
