The hand of a
child is not too weak to hold the match that fires a cannon. When
evil elements are aggregated, the force required to release them is
often very small. We may purpose no wrong to our neighbor in the
indulgence of a freedom that leads him into fiery temptation; but if
we know that our freedom must of necessity do this, can we escape
responsibility if we do not deny ourselves?"
"It is easy to ask questions and to generalize," returned Mr.
Birtwell, not hiding the annoyance he felt.
"Shall I come down to particulars and deal in facts?" asked Mr.
Elliott.
"If you care to do so."
"I have some facts--very sad and sorrowful ones. You may or may not
know them--at least not all. But you should know them, Mr.
Birtwell."
There was no escape now.
"You half frighten me, Mr. Elliott. What are you driving at?"
"I need not refer," said the clergyman, "to the cases of Archie Voss
and Mr. Ridley."
Mr. Birtwell raised his hands in deprecation.
"Happily," continued Mr. Elliott, "Mr. Ridley has risen from his
fall, and now stands firmer, I trust, than ever, and farther away
from the reach of temptation, resting not in human but in divine
strength. Archie is in heaven, where before many days his mother
will join him."
"Why are you saying this?" demanded Mr. Birtwell. "You are going too
far." His face had grown a little pale.
"I say it as leading to something more," replied the clergyman.
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