Margaret Percival in America (Volume 1850, PT. 2 ); A Tale

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1850 Excerpt: ... When you first came here, I knew your principles on the matter of discussion of theological subjects. I knew that you had been taught, I knew that you believed, that a layman or laywoman had no right to discuss such matters. I knew that you thought that such matters should be left to the ordained teachers of the Church. I knew you were anxious to leave argument on such, to them. I resolved, therefore, the first night I saw you, that I would never tempt you, that you should never tempt me, into such discussion. With your uncle, I would break a hundred lances, gladly. But while you held the ground, which I knew you had been led to, by a hard experience, and by his directions, I knew that it would be ungentlemanly, wrong, to goad you into discussion which you felt that you ought not entertain. I have kept my resolution. When I have met you, I have taken pains to keep the conversation off such themes. I dare say you have thought me frivolous, perhaps careless, about them. Margaret felt her own blush; but he did not see it. I have talked of results, instead of principles, --of Christian operations, instead of this great Christian spirit, or rather spirit of Christ, (for that is simpler language, ) behind them. In the external realities of Christianity, I knew we should agree. I would not argue about the points of variance, because I knew you thought you ought not. Am I excused? Surely, said Margaret, surely; and I ought to thank you for being so considerate of a stranger. And yet, as she spoke, she was a little perplexed, perhaps pained, to think, now, for the first time, that she must be regarded, because never ordained, as so far an inferior being, that she had no right to hold any conversation on her favorite themes, excepting that of positive...