_” But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value. O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.... Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for Him? Will ye accept His person? Will ye contend for God? Is it good that He should search you out? Or as one man mocketh another, do ye so mock Him?”_ ... “... Seeing’s believing, to my mind, and possession’s nine points of the law....” “_Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up thy loins now and I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare if thou hast understanding ... whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner-stone thereof, when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?... Or who shut up the sea with doors when it brake forth.... And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further, and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place?... Have the gates of death been opened unto thee? or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death?_” ... Raggett had paused and was glaring at the priest over the heads of the people. “There’s a lot of texts going about,” he said, pointing. “I’ll give you one: ’Down with them, down with them, even to the ground!’” A surging murmur of approval ran through the crowd, and menacing faces were turned towards Father Francis. His calm, clear voice went on, and only two red spots glowing on his pale cheeks showed that he was even aware of the pointing finger and the savage faces. “_Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?... Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? Canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?_” He paused a moment. “_Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct Him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it._” Raggett’s arm was raised, but he faltered. Nearly all the faces were turned towards the man at whom he had pointed, and the crowd was strangely still. Father Francis shut his Bible, and stepped down. CHAPTER XXV MARCUS WHITE GIVES ORDERS