Botanicaust

righteous in the eyes of the Lord? ”
    Deacon Yonnie spoke again. “ The Blattvolk are a different ilk. They are abominations, ineligible for reconciliation. ”
    Brother John rose and cleared his throat. “ I am a sinner and unworthy of Christ ’ s redemption. I cannot presume to know how the Lord may find, for there is only one Lawgiver and Judge. Revelations says that our people shall be drawn from every race and tribe and language. ” His words, although about himself, directed shame upon Yonnie ’ s prideful words.
    Yonnie glowered at Brother John. “ The Blattvolk are not cannibals to be turned from their ways. They are anathema to the body, the Temple of the Holy Spirit. ”
    “ Who among us has been so pure as to not abuse our bodies in some way? Who has not tasted too much wine, or pushed the plow past endurance, or carelessly clipped a nail so short it bled? Are these not mistreatments of the body? I shall not cast stones. The Lord will forgive me my sins, as I forgive those who sin against me. ”
    The Lord ’ s Prayer, so central to Old Order beliefs, held the congregation silent. Forgiveness was a core value among them, and to not offer it meant God would not offer His forgiveness on Judgment Day.
    A rustling from the women ’ s side of the congregation drew attention, and Levi saw Beth standing with head bowed. “ Brethren, I shame myself by rising. I know I am to keep my peace. But I have met the child, the one called Eily. I feel called to give my testimony. She is small and afraid. Would we not wish mercy shown to our own children if they found themselves in a strange land? That is all. ” She sat, head still bowed, her face flushed. The other women whispered in each other ’ s ears.
    Brother Abe rose from his seat near Levi. “ I forgive the Blattvolk in my heart. I pity them their choices. Their actions can be forgiven, but not pardoned. ”
    Yonnie took the opportunity to drive home his opinion. “ God has sent them here to test us, Brothers and Sisters. To test our obedience to His laws. Our decision to remain clean and free of the taint of the world will prove to Him we are worthy. ”
    Many heads in the congregation nodded agreement.
    Levi rose, concealing his anger by keeping his head bowed in humility. “ What would Christ have done with them? Physically force them back through the gate to face their deaths? Cast them to the dogs? Jesus dined with sinners, and washed the feet of his disciples. If we do less, are we worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven? ” His limbs trembled as he sat again.
    On Levi ’ s other side, Samuel half rose, settled back to the bench, then rose again. He did not usually speak at meetings. “ Brothers and Sisters, you know I did not support my brother-in-law ’ s pursuit of earthly intervention for my nephew. Indeed, I was among the first to vote for his excommunication. To my shame, I acted in anger and fear. I pray to God to grant me wisdom and peace to do His will. I have met the Blattvolk, offered them respite in my home. In the time of the Prophet, we allowed the Englisch to baptize into our faith. Only two generations ago, we brought in a cannibal child, and when she came of age, she accepted the faith. Pastor John is issue of her loins. These Blattvolk cannot change what has been done to them. Does the color of their skin reflect the nature of their hearts? ”
    The congregation again buzzed with whispered contemplations.
    Gatekeeper Peter rose. He looked across the congregation to meet Levi ’ s eye. “ You have spent much time with my daughter. My Katie. Do you believe she can be moved by the Holy Spirit to accept the Salvation of Christ? ”
    “ I cannot speculate on the condition of another person ’ s soul. But I believe Katie is as worthy of salvation as any of us here. ”
    Peter ’ s eyes glossed with tears. “ I would be pleased to have you as a son. ”
    A rumble of dissension swept the congregation. Levi trembled with gratitude. “ What of the other one? The child not of our blood? ” someone called out.
    This time Bishop Eldon answered. “‘ From the lips of infants and children, He has perfected praise. ’ Lepers were once shunned, and Jesus was filled with compassion and reached out His hand and healed them. This Affliction is like leprosy. I would not deny a child to learn the ways of our Lord. ”
    Several “ amens ” floated throughout the gathering.
    “ What say you, Brothers and Sisters? The hour is late. Shall we