Запретный лес

           David,fortheviewofKirkAllerwillbetheviewofthePresbytery--andtheviewoftheGeneralAssembly,ifthethingeverwinsthatfar."

           "Butwhatwouldyouyourselfhavedoneinlikecase?Wouldyouhaveturnedthesuppliantfromyourdoors?"

           "Idonotknow.Tobehonestwithyou,Idonotknow.Iamaweakvessel,andveryfearful.ButinsuchacaseIshouldpray--ay,Ishouldpraytobegivenstrength--todoasyoudid,Mr.David."

           Theyoungmansmiled."I’vegotthecomfortIwanted.I’mcontenttobejudgedbyyou,foryouarenearertheThronethanthewholePresbyteryofAllerandtheMerse."

           "No,no.Dinnasaythat.I’mthefeeblestandpoorestofGod’sservants,andatthemomentI’mweakeningonwhatIsaid,anddoubtingwhetheramanshouldnotbowtolawfulauthority,andcultivateahumblespirit,asthefirstoftheChristiangraces.WhatfordidourLordfoundtheKirkifitwasnatobeobeyed?"

           "Bidewhereyouwere,Mr.James.WhatkindofaPresbyterianwouldyoumakeyourselfout?ByyourwayweshouldbestillunderthebondageofRome,becauseRomewasoncethelawfulauthority.AbonnyCovenanter,you!IftheKirkconstrainsconscienceunduly,andmakesatyrannyoutofChristianfreedom,thentheKirkisnomoretoberespectedthanthemasstheoldpriestsmumbledinWoodilee."

           Mr.Fordycesmiledwanly."Idaresayyou’reintheright.Butwhatatangleforanhonestman!You’vetakenthehighroad,Mr.David,andImustkeepjoggingalongthelowroad,forthere’sbutthetwoofthem.