But you ask me to be false to my duty; and how
can I do that?"
"But does it never occur to you that older and wiser people may be
better able to judge than you are?"
"But the facts are so plain, sir! And you have never answered me! You
simply command me to be silent!"
The other did not reply.
"When I came to you," went on Samuel, "you taught me about love and
brotherhood--about self-sacrifice and service. And I took you at your
word, sir. As God is my witness, I have done nothing but try to apply
what you told me! I have tried to help the poor and oppressed. And how
could I know that you did not really mean what you said?"
"Samuel," protested the other, "you have no right to say that! I am
doing all that I can. I preach upon these things very often."
"Yes!" exclaimed the boy, "but what do you preach? Do you tell the
truth to these rich people who come to your church? Do you say to
them: 'You are robbing the poor. You are the cause of all the misery
which exists in this town--you carry the guilt of it upon your souls.
And you must cease from robbery and oppression--you must give up this
wealth that you have taken from the people!' No--you don't say that--
you know that you don't! And can't you see what that means, Dr. Vince-
-it means that the church is failing in its mission! And there will
have to be a new church--somewhere, somehow! For these things exist!
They are right here in our midst, and something must be done!"
And the boy sprang forward in his excitement, stretching out his arms.
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