"The most precious doctrine, if one may say so, in the whole Bible,
is that of Adoption. God by the mouth of his apostle Paul tells us
that God adopts some for his children, and leaves the rest. If
because of this you say he is not infinite in mercy, when the Bible
says he is, you are guilty of blasphemy."
In a tone calm to solemnity, Donal answered--
"God's mercy is infinite; and the doctrine of Adoption is one of the
falsest of false doctrines. In bitter lack of the spirit whereby we
cry Abba, Father, the so-called Church invented it; and it remains,
a hideous mask wherewith false and ignorant teachers scare God's
children from their Father's arms."
"I hate sentiment--most of all in religion!" said Miss Carmichael
with contempt.
"You shall have none," returned Donal. "Tell me what is meant by
Adoption."
"The taking of children," answered Miss Carmichael, already spying a
rock ahead, "and treating them as your own."
"Whose children?" asked Donal.
"Anyone's."
"Whose," insisted Donal, "are the children whom God adopts?"
She was on the rock, and a little staggered. But she pulled up
courage and said--
"The children of Satan."
"Then how are they to be blamed for doing the deeds of their
father?"
"You know very well what I mean! Satan did not make them. God made
them, but they sinned and fell."
"Then did God repudiate them?"
"Yes.
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