human
You are wrong, sir, in saying that their case is hopeless, said Bertram earnestly.
gpt
There is a remedy.
human
I wish you could show it me,
gpt
Here it is, returned the artist, taking his little Testament from the inside pocket of his hunting-shirt.
human
The gospel is able to make all men wise unto salvation.
gpt
It won't do here. To be plain with you, sir, I don't believe the gospel's of any use in these wild regions, where murder seems to be as natural to man, woman, and child as food.
human
But, sir, rejoined Bertram,
gpt
It may be so, returned McLeod;
human
I have not studied these things much. I don't profess to be a very religious man, and I cannot pretend to know much of what the gospel has done elsewhere; but I feel quite sure that it cannot do much _here_!
gpt
Then you do not believe the Bible, which says distinctly that this `gospel is the power of God unto salvation to _every one_ that believeth.'
human
Ay, but these wretched Indians won't believe,
gpt
True, answered Bertram;
human
To that I answer that they'll never ask.
gpt
How do you know? Did you ever give them a trial? Did you ever preach the gospel to them?
human
No, I never did that.
gpt
Then you cannot tell how they would treat it. Your remarks are mere assertions of opinion--not arguments. You know the wickedness of the Indians, and can therefore speak authoritatively on that point; but you know not (according to your own admission) the power of the gospel: therefore you are not in a position to speak on that point.