Finally, I can forgive and forget injuries; and I hope I am somewhat ready
for _sunset_; the more for having discharged the duty of this letter....
Your humble and faithful servant,
COTTON MATHER. [Footnote: _Mass. Hist. Coll._ first series, iii. 128.]
* * * * *
But these venomous priests had tried their fangs upon a resolute and an
able man. Dudley shook them off like vermin.
* * * * *
GENTLEMEN, Yours of the 20th instant I received; and the contents, both as
to the matter and manner, astonish me to the last degree. I must think you
have extremely forgot your own station, as well as my character; otherwise
it had been impossible to have made such an open breach upon all the laws
of decency, honour, justice, and Christianity, as you have done in
treating me with an air of superiority and contempt, which would have been
greatly culpable towards a Christian of the lowest order, and is
insufferably rude toward one whom divine Providence has honoured with the
character of your governour....
Why, gentlemen, have you been so long silent? and suffered sin to lie upon
me years after years? You cannot pretend any new information as to the
main of your charge; for you have privately given your tongues a loose
upon these heads, I am well assured, when you thought you could serve
yourselves by exposing me.
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