To such expostulations you could make no reply, nor can the imagination conceive any plausible apology for the terms you have used. The inconsistency and extravagance of the assertions carry with them their own refutation, and the coarseness of the language can inspire nothing but disgust in every liberal mind. In one point of view only, can they be of importance to any but yourself, and that is, as it affects the reputation of the society of which you are a member; and as these sentiments are alien to those of that respectable body, it is to be lamented that a meeting which was probably attended by people of various religious professions, was permitted to separate, without some individual whose mind was imbued with their truly catholic principles, explaining what they really are; so that none might go away in the belief that _this people also_, presume to scan the limits of the mercy of the Almighty, "and deal damnation round the land, on each they judge his foe." Nor do I believe that your own heart responds to such sentiments, or that in your cooler moments you can possibly believe them correct. The tongue is an unruly member, and he who talks much, will sometimes talk unwisely. We are told that although man can tame the beasts of the forest, "the tongue no man can tame." "Behold," (says the apostle,[84]) "how great a matter a little fire kindleth." "Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. _My brethren these things ought not to be so._ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, of them that make peace." Footnote 84: James, Chap. 3. An accurate observer will often discover how erroneously the zeal of individuals operates: he will see around him numbers always ready to counsel and advise their neighbours; to detect their errors and reprove their aberrations: but how few among us scan with equal severity their own; and this, because there is something gratifying in the superiority which attaches to the counsellor and censor of others, but always troublesome, and often painful, to sit in judgment on ourselves. So when the preacher is followed and applauded, it often begets a restless spirit: silent worship no longer affords him satisfaction, and he seldom permits it to others, when he is present. Few men have such fertility of imagination as to be able to vary such frequent discourses; he is often at a loss for a subject, and seizes with avidity every new idea, regardless of its correctness, if it possesses the charm of novelty.