It is clearly seen that the doctrine of original sin and the
redemption of mankind is destroyed by this system; consequently that
the basis of the Christian dispensation, as generally received, is
shaken, and that the Catholic faith cannot subsist with these
principles; Madam de Warrens, notwithstanding, was a good Catholic, or
at least pretended to be one, and certainly desired to become such,
but it appeared to her that the scriptures were too literally and
harshly explained, supposing that all we read of everlasting
torments were figurative threatenings, and the death of Jesus Christ
an example of charity, truly divine, which should. teach mankind to
love God and each other; in a word, faithful to the religion she had
embraced, she acquiesced in all its professions of faith, but on a
discussion of each particular article, it was plain she thought
diametrically opposite to that church whose doctrines she professed to
believe. In these cases, she exhibited simplicity of art, a
frankness more eloquent than sophistry, which frequently embarrassed
her confessor; for she disguised nothing from him. "I am a good
Catholic," she would say, "and will ever remain so; I adopt with all
the powers of my soul the decisions of our holy Mother Church; I am
not mistress of my faith, but I am of my will, which I submit to you
without reserve; I will endeavor to believe all,- what can you require
more?"
Had there been no Christian morality established, I am persuaded she
would have lived as if regulated by its principles, so perfectly did
they seem to accord with her disposition.
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