Запретный лес
XX. The Judgment
Idealwiththegravamenofthematter,asinopenlycommittedandindeedacknowledgedandgloriedin."
Mr.Muirheadpursedhislips,andasighofapprovalrosefromhishearers.
"Butitisneedfulatalltimes,"hewenton,"totempermercywithjustice.Ourbrotherisyoungandhasnodoubtbeenledastraybyevilconversationandbyover-muchcarnallearning.Thereisyetroomforrepentance,andtheKirkismercifultothepenitent.IfhewillmakefullconfessionofhissinsandrenounceandabhorthemandhumblyseekforgivenessfromanoffendedJehovah,thisCourtwilldoubtlessbepreparedtodealtenderlywithhim.ItwouldnotconsistwithdecencythathecontinueinthechargeofWoodilee,butthematterofexcommunicationmightbedispensedwith.ForlethimunderstandclearlythatifhepersistsinhiscontumacyhewillbeoutcastnotonlyfromtheministryofWoodileebutfrommembershipoftheKirkofChrist."
Hisvoicehadbecomesensiblygentler.IfhismainobjectwastoavoidtoogreatascandalintheChurch,theremayhavebeenaspiceofpityfortheyouthandthehaggardfaceoftheaccused.
"Iacknowledgemyselfmostheartilytobethechiefofsinners,"saidDavid.
"Theremustbemorethanageneralconfession,"saidtheModerator."Youmustcondescenduponthetransgression.YoumustinthisplaceconfesstheheinousnessofyourguiltontheprecisecountsIhaveexpounded,admityourgrievouserrorsandyourabhorrenceofthem,andhumblysubmityourselftojudgment."
"Nay,"saidDavid."IcannotadmitthattobesinwhichIholdtohavebeenmyduty.
