It is a small matter to be judged of
man's judgment, for, though certain people have not scrupled to call me
cruel and hard of heart, yet the Lord knows I have wept in secret places
over these misguided men and women.
"'But might not life be spared?' asked Madam Broadstreet. 'Death is a
great thing.'
"'It is appointed unto all to die,' said Mr. Norton, 'and after death
cometh the judgment. The death of these poor bodies is a bitter thing,
but the death of the soul is far more dreadful; and it is better that
these people should suffer than that hundreds of precious souls should
be lost through their evil communication. The care of the dear souls of
my flock lieth heavily upon me, as many sleepless nights and days of
fasting do bear witness. I have not taken counsel of flesh and blood in
this grave matter, nor yielded unto the natural weakness of my heart.
And while some were for sparing these workers of iniquity, even as Saul
spared Agag, I have been strengthened, as it were, to hew them in pieces
before the Lord in Gilgal.
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