In vain does he
avail himself of his legal right to abstain from taking an oath
repugnant to his conscience. This alone makes him appear to refuse
the civic oath in which the ecclesiastical oath is included, to
reject the constitution which he accepts in full minus a parasite
chapter, to conspire against the new social and political order of
things which he often approves of; and to which he almost always
submits.[52] In vain does he confine himself to his special and
recognized domain, the spiritual direction of things. Through this
alone he resists the new legislators who pretend to furnish a
spiritual guidance, for, by virtue of being orthodox, he must
believe that the priest whom they elect is excommunicated, that his
sacraments are vain; and, in his office as pastor, he must prevent
his sheep from going to drink at an impure source. In vain might he
preach to them moderation and respect. Through the mere fact that
the schism is effected, its consequences unfold them selves, and the
peasants will not always remain as patient as their pastor.
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