Портрет художника в юности

           GodisstillthemercifulLordwhowishesnottheeternaldeathofthesinnerbutratherthathebeconvertedandlive.

           —HecallsyoutoHim.YouareHis.Hemadeyououtofnothing.HelovedyouasonlyaGodcanlove.HisarmsareopentoreceiveyoueventhoughyouhavesinnedagainstHim.CometoHim,poorsinner,poorvainanderringsinner.Nowistheacceptabletime.Nowisthehour.

           Thepriestroseand,turningtowardsthealtar,kneltuponthestepbeforethetabernacleinthefallengloom.Hewaitedtillallinthechapelhadkneltandeveryleastnoisewasstill.Then,raisinghishead,herepeatedtheactofcontrition,phrasebyphrase,withfervour.Theboysansweredhimphrasebyphrase.Stephen,histonguecleavingtohispalate,bowedhishead,prayingwithhisheart.