The wound which he tried to dress and heal, immediately reopened and spread, in such wise that all society would at last be stricken and carried off by it.
Quivering as he listened, and slowly shaking his white head, the old priest ended by replying: "that does that matter, my child?
what does that matter?
One must give, always give, give in spite of everything! There is no other joy on earth....

If dogmas worry you, content yourself with the Gospel, and even of that retain merely the promise of salvation through charity." But at this Pierre's feelings revolted.

He forgot that he was speaking to one of simple mind, who was all love and nothing else, and could therefore not follow him.

"The trial has been made," he answered, "human salvation cannot be effected by charity, nothing but justice can accomplish it.

That is the gathering cry which is going up from every nation.