CHAPTER XXXII 472
blood-bleached robe with which Christianity covers human deformity -- a cold , hard , ambitious man . Natural affection only , of all the sentiments , has permanent power over me . Reason , and not feeling , is my guide ; my ambition is unlimited : my desire to rise higher , to do more than others , insatiable . I honour endurance , perseverance , industry , talent ; because these are the means by which men achieve great ends and mount to lofty eminence . I watch your career with interest , because I consider you a specimen of a diligent , orderly , energetic woman : not because I deeply compassionate what you have gone through , or what you still suffer ."
" You would describe yourself as a mere pagan philosopher ," I said .
" No . There is this difference between me and deistic philosophers : I believe ; and I believe the Gospel . You missed your epithet . I am not a pagan , but a Christian philosopher -- a follower of the sect of Jesus . As His disciple I adopt His pure , His merciful , His benignant doctrines . I advocate them : I am sworn to spread them . Won in youth to religion , she has cultivated my original qualities thus : - From the minute germ , natural affection , she has developed the overshadowing tree , philanthropy . From the wild stringy root of human uprightness , she has reared a due sense of the Divine justice . Of the ambition to win power and renown for my wretched self , she has formed the ambition to spread my Master ' s kingdom ; to achieve victories for the standard of the cross . So much has religion done for me ; turning the original materials to the best account ; pruning and training nature . But she could not eradicate nature : nor will it be eradicated ' till this mortal shall put on immortality .'"
Having said this , he took his hat , which lay on the table beside my palette . Once more he looked at the portrait .
" She IS lovely ," he murmured . " She is well named the Rose of the World , indeed !"
" And may I not paint one like it for you ?" " CUI BONO ? No ."