T. But, when we go to instruct them, it surprises me, that they should resist the facts which are presented to them. W. It would not surprise thee, peradventure, if thou shouldst inspect more cautiously the influences which operate with them to overcome the truth. Suppose we rise above the wall, and see from above the machinery employed to keep their position secure. We arose and saw the interior of the castle. “There,” said my guide, “now thou canst judge for thyself. What thou seest, thou hast no need that I tell thee.” I saw a cloud of witnesses beheaded[A] for the sake of religion. I saw a mind declaiming against cruelty, yet urging his companions to fight the battle, as long as life was spared. “Those who oppose us,” said he “are enemies of God, and in league with the devil. They must be overcome, or our religion will be destroyed. Better that all who are not of us be slain, than that the cause of religion should be swept away. These heretics should not be allowed to corrupt the minds of the people of God, and the people of God will not allow them to do it without resistance even unto death.” When he had concluded his harangue, the Teacher, who had received instruction through the port hole, said, he had just had an interview with a heretic. The heretic had informed him, that no intrusion was contemplated; but he insisted that the people of God contradicted the Bible in their practice. He said that we interpreted the Bible contrary to its express prohibition. I do not agree with all he said, but what to do with his argument, I am not prepared to say. Perhaps the circle can explain the difficulty. M. This circle will not undertake to explain the objections of infidels. It is sufficient for the circle to resist the works of the devil, and keep itself pure from the heresies, which endanger the salvation of the soul. The circle should warn evil minds of the danger which awaits them, if they do not repent, and get religion; and I can see no way to do it, more effectually, than to treat them with silent contempt. T. Ought not the circle to obey the Scriptures? M. They ought to do their duty, and that duty is made plain by its own covenant obligations. T. How can our covenant obligations contradict the Scriptures? M. They do not. T. How do we fulfil our covenant obligations, unless we meet the arguments of heretics? M. Who has made you a heretic? T. I wish to know what should be done, when heretics offer the Bible against our views. I am not a heretic. M. But you recognize their doctrine, else, why ask about our covenant obligations with heretics? T. I suppose we ought to do something to meet their objections. M. Well, the way to meet them is not to reply to them. T. That will not do them any good. They will soon say we are afraid of them. M. They will say any thing to encourage infidelity. T. They will quote Scripture to oppose us. M. Yes, and so will the devil. T. Then what must be done?