He is driven to falsehood and dissimulation in explaining
his conduct; he expresses his repentance, curses himself for his
ingratitude, promises well for the future, but seldom or never can
be prevailed upon to state candidly that he acted in obedience to
the priest. In some instances, however, he admits this, and inveighs
bitterly against his interference--but this is only whilst in the
presence of his landlord. I think, Colonel, that no clergyman, set apart
as he is for the concerns of a better world, should become a firebrand
in the secular pursuits and turmoils of this."
"I wish, Mr. O'Brien, that every clergyman of your church resembled you,
and acted up to your sentiments: our common country would be the better
for it."
"I endeavor to act, sir, as a man who has purely spiritual duties to
perform. It is not for us to be agitated and inflamed by the political
passions and animosities of the world. Our lot is differently cast, and
we ought to abide by it. The priest and politician can no more agree
than good and evil. I speak with respect to all churches."
"And so do I."
"What stay do you intend to make, Colonel?"
"I think about a month. I shall visit some of my old friends there, from
whom I expect a history of the state and feelings of the country."
"You will hear both sides of the question before you act?"
"Certainly. I have written to my agent to say that I shall look very
closely into my own affairs on this occasion. I thought it fair to give
him notice.
Pages:
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145