The Exorcist

by William Peter Blatty

More rooted in logic was the silence of God. In the world there was evil and much of it resulted from doubt, from an honest confusion among men of good will. Would a reasonable God refuse to end it? Not finally reveal Himself? Not speak?

“The best explanation for any phenomenon,” Karras gently cut in, “is always the simplest one available that accommodates all the facts.”

We mourn the blossoms of May because they are to wither; but we know that May is one day to have its revenge upon November, by the revolution of that solemn circle which never stops—which teaches us in our height of hope, ever to be sober, and in our depth of desolation, never to despair.

Merrin bent his head and looked down into his coffee mug without expression. “Well, the doctors say I shouldn’t,” he said, “but thank God, my will is weak.”