In this
perplexity it may be wise to remain within the pale of a church older
than all of them, the church in which Jesus was born and which he never
quitted, for he was born a Jew, lived a Jew, and died a Jew; as became
a Prince of the House of David, which you do and must acknowledge him to
have been. Your sacred genealogies prove the fact; and if you could not
establish it, the whole fabric of your faith falls to the ground.'
'If I had no confidence in any Church,' said Tancred, with agitation, 'I
would fall down before God and beseech him to enlighten me; and, in this
land,' he added, in a tone of excitement, 'I cannot believe that the
appeal to the Mercy-seat would be made in vain.'
'But human wit ought to be exhausted before we presume to invoke divine
interposition,' said the lady. 'I observe that Jesus was as fond of
asking questions as of performing miracles; an inquiring spirit will
solve mysteries. Let me ask you: you think that the present state of my
race is penal and miraculous?'
Tancred gently bowed assent.
'Why do you?' asked the lady.
'It is the punishment ordained for their rejection and crucifixion of
the Messiah.'
'Where is it ordained?'
'Upon our heads and upon our children be his blood.
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