I THINK it was in the summer of 1840 that Senhor Arsenio first came to consult me about his daughter's health. After having prescribed for her corporeal ailments, we had a little conversation about the soul.
In a few days he returned; and, after several visits at the hospital, he expressed a wish to converse with me at my own house privately. We sat down together, and I inquired on what subject he wished to speak.
“About the way," was his reply, "in which a guilty man can, under the government of a just God, escape the punishment which he deserves." "Well," I said, "tell me what you think about it.”
“I understand," said he, "that in baptism the blood of Christ is applied, so as to free from original sin;" and then he went on to speak of penances, etc., for actual transgression.
I interrupted him by saying, "I understand that the blood of Christ cleanses from all sin.”
“What?" he cried.
“I understand," I repeated, "that the blood of Christ cleanses from all sin, of every kind.”
“Tell me that again!”
“No," said I, "but read here, and here"—and I pointed out several texts.
Great tears came coursing down his cheeks, as he read words of God, attesting the wondrous truth; and the doctrine of His free favor in pardoning even the chief of sinners seemed for the first time to break upon his soul.
He had often been mentioned to me, Dr. K— added, under the epithet, "O avarento," "the miser." At the time of the interview related, I was furnishing a small hospital. He sent me a large basket full of sheets, towels, and other articles for it, with a note saying, “My heart was gangrened; it has felt the power of the love of God; and I send you the firstfruits of it.”