They may talk of the light of
the gospel; but, if I don't mistake, the light of the gospel itself
might pale its ineffectual fires before that which shines in their
apostolic countenances."
The mirth occasioned by this covert, but comical, rebuke, fell
rather humorously upon the two worthy gentlemen, who, being certainly
good-natured and excellent men, laughed heartily.
"That's a neat speech," said the parson, "but not exactly appropriate.
Father Tom and I are quite unworthy of the compliment he has paid us."
"Neat," said Father Tom; "I don't know whether the gentleman has a
profession or not; but from the tone and spirit in which he spoke, I
think that if he has taken up any other than that of his church, he
has missed his vocation. My dear parson, he talks of the light of our
countenances--a light that is lit by hospitality on the one hand, and
moderate social enjoyment on the other. It is a light, however, that
neither of us would exchange for a pale face and an eye that seems to
have something mysterious at the back of it."
"Come, come, Harry," said Lindsay, "you mustn't be bantering these two
gentlemen; as I said of yourself, the longer you know them the better
you will relish them.
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