Hath
the traveller warranty for this disrespect of the Sabbath, and canst thou
find sufficient reason in his motive, for permitting the stranger within
thy gates to neglect the solemn ordinance delivered on the mount?"
"He rideth on especial commission," answered
Content, who had respectfully arisen, when thus addressed by name; "for
matter of grave interest to the well-being of the Colony is contained in
the subject of his errand."
"There is nought more deeply connected with the well-being of man, whether
resident in this Colony or in more lofty empires, than reverence to God's
declared will," returned Meek, but half-appeased by the apology. "It would
have been expedient for one, who, in common, not only setteth so good an
example himself, but who is also charged with the mantle of authority, to
have looked with distrust into the pretences of a necessity that may be
only seeming."
"The motive shall be declared to the people, at a fitting moment; but it
hath seemed more wise to retain the substance of the horseman's errand,
until worship hath been offered, without the alloy of temporal concerns.
Pages:
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495