I have already baptized twenty infants in the street, without their knowing anything at all about the matter, by throwing a few drops of water upon their heads. They are now just so many angels, provided they are happy enough to die directly. I cured a poor old woman of the megrims by making the sign of the cross behind her. I hope in a short time to convert the Mahometans of the court and the Gentoos among the people. You will see in Delhi, Agra, and Benares, as many good Catholics, adorers of the Virgin Mary, as you now do idolaters, adoring the devil. M. ANDRAIS. You think then, my worthy father, that the inhabitants of these countries adore idols and the devil? THE JESUIT. Undoubtedly, as they are not of my religion. M. ANDRAIS. Very well. But when there are as many Catholics in India as idolaters, are you not afraid that they will fight against one another; that blood will flow for a long period, and the whole country be a scene of pillage and devastation? This has happened in every country in which you have obtained a footing hitherto. THE JESUIT. You make one pause for a moment; but nothing could happen better than that which you suggest as being so probable. The slaughtered Catholics would go to paradise--to the garden--and the Gentoos to the everlasting fire of hell created for them from all eternity, according to the great mercy of God, and for His great glory; for God is exceedingly glorious. M. ANDRAIS. But suppose that you should be informed against, and punished at the whipping post? THE JESUIT. That would also be for His glory. However, I conjure you to keep my secret, and save me from the honor and happiness of martyrdom. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 7 (of 10), by François-Marie Arouet (AKA Voltaire)