He was
punctual, as usual, and I had not to wait.
My reception was precisely as I apprehended. There was no
flaring, no flummery, nor bombastical pretensions, but a dignified
return to my obeisance, and an immediate recurrence, in
converse, to the important duties incumbent on us, in our stations,
as reformers and purifiers of the Church.
"I have marked out a number of most dangerous characters in this
city," said he, "all of whom must be cut off from cumbering the
true vineyard before we leave this land. And, if you bestir not
yourself in the work to which you are called, I must raise up
others who shall have the honour of it!"
"I am, most illustrious prince, wholly at your service," said I.
"Show but what ought to be done, and here is the heart to dare and
the hand to execute. You pointed out my relations, according to
the flesh, as brands fitted to be thrown into the burning. I approve
peremptorily of the award; nay, I thirst to accomplish it; for I
myself have suffered severely from their diabolical arts. When
once that trial of my devotion to the faith is accomplished, then
he your future operations disclosed.
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