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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Enemies of Books by William Blades: `And you, when on earth, practised the good they teach?'
sternly demanded the saint, who read their characters at a glance.
Their faltering reply was sufficient, and the blessed
saint at once passed judgment as follows:--`Insomuch as,
seduced by a foolish vanity, and against your vows of poverty,
you have amassed this multitude of books and thereby and therefor
have neglected the duties and broken the rules of your Order,
you are now sentenced to read your books for ever and ever in
the fires of Hell.' Immediately, a roaring noise filled the air,
and a flaming chasm opened in which friars, and asses and books
were suddenly engulphed."
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