Sentence:  The Christian <WSD>flagellist</WSD> might, it is probable, draw as much blood from his back in a year, as did the frantic priest of Moloch from his sides and arms ; or perhaps more ; but yet it were better done with the Scourge than with the Knife. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  One who whips him or herself as an act of religious penitence; flagellant.