The fashions and mode
of thinking of the times had a strong leaning towards superstition; and it
was far from difficult for a man of his ascetic habits and exaggerated
doctrines, to believe that a special interposition had cast the boy into
his hands, for some hidden but mighty purpose, that time in the good
season would not fail to reveal.
Notwithstanding the strong coloring of fanaticism which tinged the
characters of the religionists of those days, they were rarely wanting in
worldly discretion. The agents they saw fit to employ, in order to aid the
more hidden purposes of Providence, were in common useful and rational.
Thus, while Mark never forgot to summon the lad from his prison at the
hour of prayer, or to include an especial asking in behalf of the ignorant
heathen in general and of this chosen youth in particular, he hesitated to
believe that a manifest miracle would be exerted in his favor. That no
blame might attach to the portion of duty that was confided to human
means, he had recourse to the discreet agency of kindness and unremitted
care.
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