Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/217

Rh, as that the result, however favourable, would not establish us upon the broad base of genuine freedom. However, I am now convinced from reflection, that our cause will be ruined, unless you assume it. Mr. Hitchborne was clear it ought to have been in your name before; at our pressing request, he drew the last writ. Mr. Sullivan has declared it must be in your name. Mr. Pynchon (allowed on all hands to be deeply versed in the intricacies of the law) assured a gentleman, he would warrant success, and even undertake the conducting the cause, if the proper use were made of your name. Mr. Sewall's opinion is in unison with Mr. Pynchon. I hate delay and indecision, and shall lament if chicane and political views must prevail over the purest intentions."

To this letter Mr. Murray responded, in terms descriptive of much anguish of spirit, and his sympathizing friend immediately replied:—

"I essay not to communicate the impression which your letter has made upon me; would that pen and paper were adequate to express all that could be conveyed by the tongue. Shall I be condemned for being of an unsteady disposition, or shall I be justified in my change of sentiment, from the variety of events? Be it as it may, it matters not; your letter has produced another alteration in my mind; your conflict between the resolution you have taken, and the interest of your friends, which, I am persuaded, is very dear to you, is carried on in your breast to a degree of agony. I see how distressing it is for you, even in appearance, to stand forth and contend for what you have so nobly held in sovereign contempt. In this point of view it ceases to be a question. Let the idea of interest perish; I had rather a large part of mine, dear as it is, should be wrested from me, than that you should sacrifice any portion of your peace, or your honour; therefore, I entreat you, my dear sir, do no violence to your feelings. Thank God, the truth of our cause does not depend upon the decision of a court of judicature; and admit the worst, it is only what we are bidden to expect, that this world is opposed to the other. Justice, however, notwithstanding my sympathy for you, urges me to repeat that our lawyers see no rational prospect of success, but from your becoming a in the business. If you can bend your mind, well; take time to deliberate: delays in law, perhaps, are not so dangerous as in other affairs; at any rate, I entreat you to become more tranquil; I had rather make payment to parson F than that you should thus suffer."