have had. In short, it was not done
in time, as it easily might have been. These THOUGHTS are hard enemies
wherewith to combat! And I was so grieved that I could not effect my
righteous purpose that I laid me down on my face and shed tears. Then,
again, I thought of what my great enlightened friend and patron would
say to me, and again my resolution rose indignant and indissoluble save
by blood. I arose on my right knee and left foot, and had just begun to
advance the latter forward: the next step my great purpose had been
accomplished, and the culprit had suffered the punishment due to his
crimes. But what moved him I knew not: in the critical moment he sprung
to his feet, and, dashing himself furiously against me, he overthrew
me, at the imminent peril of my life. I disencumbered myself by main
force and fled, but he overhied me, knocked me down, and threatened,
with dreadful oaths, to throw me from the cliff. After I was a little
recovered from the stunning blow, I aroused myself to the combat; and,
though I do not recollect the circumstances of that deadly scuffle very
minutely, I know that I vanquished him so far as to force him to ask my
pardon, and crave a reconciliation. I spurned at both and left him to
the chastisements of his own wicked and corrupt heart.

My friend met me again on the hill and derided me in a haughty and
stern manner for my imbecility and want of decision. I told him how
nearly I had effected my purpose, and excused myself as well as I was
able. On this, seeing me bleeding, he advised me to swear the peace
against my brother, and have him punished in the meantime, he being the
first aggressor. I promised compliance and we parted, for I was
somewhat ashamed of my failure, and was glad to be quit for the present
of one of whom I stood so much in awe.

When my reverend father beheld me bleeding a second time by the hand of
a brother, he was moved to the highest point of displeasure; and,
relying on his high interest and the justice of his cause, he brought
the matter at once before the courts. My brother and I were first
examined face to face. His declaration was a mere romance: mine was not
the truth; but as it was by the advice of my reverend father, and that
of my illustrious friend, both of whom I knew to be sincere Christians
and true believers, that I gave it, I conceived myself completely
justified on that score. I said I had gone up into the mountain early
on the morning to pray, and h