human
Poor fellow, said the priest, putting his arm round his neck and drawing his head down on his breast.
gpt
You mustn't talk like that. Think, if we've been sinners all our lives, oughtn't we to spend a few days in repenting? Tell me, brother, don't you desire the consolations of religion?
human
Indeed I do, stammered the poor sinner.
gpt
And so I asked----
human
You see, I am ready.
gpt
And I also want the Gospels, if I may be allowed the book.
human
You want the New Testament?
gpt
I should like to read in it. My mother had one and used to read it aloud and explain it. It would give me a home-like feeling if I could read in it now.
human
I'll tell you something, my dear friend. The Gospel is a very good book, not in vain is it called the glad tidings.
gpt
My God! yes; what do I need more sorely now than glad tidings?
human
Of course. But the book's not an easy one. Out of ten readers there's hardly one who understands it. And even he doesn't really understand it. It's too profound, I might say, too divine a book; as they say, seven times sealed. Therefore it must be explained by experts. I will willingly go through certain parts of it with you occasionally, but I shall give you something else for your edification, from which you will derive comfort and peace.
gpt
The Gospel is what I should have liked best.
human
My friend, you are the sick man and I am the physician. And the physician knows best what will do the sick man good. You should also prepare yourself for taking the Sacrament.
gpt
The holy brother sends them so that you can amuse yourself a little.
human
God has not forgotten me.