"And have we warranty for such a proceeding, should this man prove true?"
he asked, in a voice that sufficiently denoted his own doubts of the
propriety of such a measure.
"There is the law, the necessities of a suffering nature, and God's
glory, for our justification," drily returned the divine.
"This outsteppeth the discreet exercise of a delegated authority. I like
not to assume so great power, without written mandates for its execution."
"The objection hath raised a little difficulty in my own mind," observed
Ensign Dudley; "and as it hath set thoughts at work, it is possible that
what I have to offer will meet the Captain's good approbation."
Content knew that his ancient servitor was, though often uncouth in its
exhibition, at the bottom a man of humane heart. On the other hand, while
he scarce admitted the truth to himself, he had a secret dread of the
exaggerated sentiments of his spiritual guide; and he consequently
listened to the interruption of Eben, with a gratification he scarcely
wished to conceal.
"Speak openly," he said; "when men counsel in a matter of this weight,
each standeth on the surety of his proper gifts.
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