layman
someone without expertise on a particular subject; when relating to the church, a normal member of the congregation
erudition
the faculty which utilizes and displays the intellect
hardihood
courage, bravery
contrivance
something created, often deviously, as a means to an end
poignant
profoundly moving, applicable
alleviation
the lessening of some unpleasant condition; amelioration
transitory
temporal, not eternal
numinous
relating to a supernatural feeling of dread and awe
prostation
the act of throwing oneself on the ground, often in submission
entail
to result
adherents
those who believe in a certain view
enjoin
to exhort or instruct
barbarities
incivilities, actions befitting a barbarian
abominable
intolerable, morally unpleasant
malevolence
evil intentions