Page 785 of 1118

"They have told me, my son; but what afflicts and depresses me,

is to see you still seeking excuses; still excusing yourself by

accusing others; still accusing others of that which should have

formed a part of your own confession. Who placed these

unfortunates, I do not say under the necessity, but under the

temptation, to do what they have? Would they have sought this

irregular method, if the legitimate way had not been closed to

them? Would they have thought of laying snares for their pastor,

if they had been received, aided, and advised by him? of

surprising him, if he had not concealed himself? And you wish to

make them bear the blame; and you are indignant that, after so

many misfortunes, what do I say? in the very midst of misfortune,

they have suffered a word of complaint to escape before their

pastor and yours? that the complaints of the oppressed and the

afflicted should be hateful to the world, is not astonishing; but

to us!