He was rating me very impertinently for some supposed fault,
which had no being save in his own jealous brain, when I
attempted to reason him out of his belief in the spirit of calm
Christian argument. But how do you think he answered me? He
did so, sir, by twisting his mouth at me, and remarking that such
sublime and ridiculous sophistry never came out of another
mouth but one (meaning yours) and that no oath before a kirk
session was necessary to prove who was my dad, for that he had
never seen a son so like a father as I was like mine."
"He durst not for his soul's salvation, and for his daily bread,
which he values much more, say such a word, boy; therefore, take
care what you assert," said my reverend father.
"He said these very words, and will not deny them, sir," said I.
My reverend father turned about in great wrath and indignation,
and went away in search of John, but I kept out of the way, and
listened at a back window; for John was dressing the plot of
ground behind the house; and I hope it was no sin in me that I did
rejoice in the dialogue which took place, it being the victory of
righteousness over error.
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