Father Damien, an Open Letter to the Reverend Dr. Hyde of Honolulu by Robert Louis Stevenson
page 16 of 19 (84%)
page 16 of 19 (84%)
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for instance, of whose faithful work we hear too little: there have
been many since; and some had more worldly wisdom, though none had more devotion, than our saint. Before his day, even you will confess, they had effected little. It was his part, by one striking act of martyrdom, to direct all men's eyes on that distressful country. At a blow, and with the price of his life, he made the place illustrious and public. And that, if you will consider largely, was the one reform needful; pregnant of all that should succeed. It brought money; it brought (best individual addition of them all) the sisters; it brought supervision, for public opinion and public interest landed with the man at Kalawao. If ever any man brought reforms, and died to bring them, it was he. There is not a clean cup or towel in the Bishop-Home, but dirty Damien washed it. Damien WAS NOT A PURE MAN IN HIS RELATIONS WITH WOMEN, ETC How do you know that? Is this the nature of conversation in that house on Beretania Street which the cabman envied, driving past? - racy details of the misconduct of the poor peasant priest, toiling under the cliffs of Molokai? Many have visited the station before me; they seem not to have heard the rumour. When I was there I heard many shocking tales, for my informants were men speaking with the plainness of the laity; and I heard plenty of complaints of Damien. Why was this never mentioned? and how came it to you in the retirement of your clerical parlour? But I must not even seem to deceive you. This scandal, when I read |
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