Запретный лес

           Youaremyfriend,and,apartfromcertainbackslidings,amanofaChristianwalkandconversation.Isummonyoutomyaid,andconjureyoubyChristwhodiedforyou,totellmewhatyouknowofthisgreatsinandwhoarethesinners."

           Amoscametoastandstill.Helaiddownhistools,andlookedtheministerintheface.

           "Letitalane,sir.Iredeye,letitalane."

           "InthenameofGod,whatfollyisthis?"Davidcried."Areyou,too,myownfamiliarfriend,entangledinthiswickedness?"

           Theman’sfacecrimsoned.

           "Deilahaet!Na,na,Inevercouldabidethaetrokin’swi’theWud.Butoh,Mr.Sempill,ye’rebutacallant,andyekennathewechto’theprincipalitiesandpoo’ersthatareagainstye.Haepatience,sir,andgangcannily.TrustintheWord,whilkitisyourdutytopreach,tobringconvictiono’sinintheLord’saingudetime,forifye’reettlin’[intending]tousethearmo’fleshitwillfailye."

           ItwasthecounselwhichIsobelhadgiven,andDavid’sheartsank.WhatwasitinWoodileewhichmadehonestmensilentandcraveninthefaceofprovediniquity?

           "Man,Amos,"hecried,"Ineverthoughttogetacoward’scounselfromyou.AmItoreckonyouamongmyenemies,andamongGod’senemies?ItellyouIseemydutyasclearbeforemeastheHillofDeer.ImustunveilthiswickednessandblastitspractisersintopenitenceorIfailinmyfirstdutyastheministerofthisparish.Andfromyou,myfriend,Igetonlysilenceandcontumacy,andwhatisworse,theadviceofaLaodicean.