Mr. Angelo complained of this to Lady Bassett.
Lady Bassett referred him to Sir Charles.
Mr. Angelo asked that magistrate to enforce the law against
conventicles.
Sir Charles said he thought the Act did not apply.
"Well, but," said Angelo, "it is on your ground she is going to
preach."
"I am the proprietor, but the tenant is the owner in law. He could warn
_me_ off his ground. I have no power."
"I fear you have no inclination," said Angelo, nettled.
"Not much, to tell the truth," replied Sir Charles coolly. "Does it
matter so very much _who_ sows the good seed, or whether it is flung
abroad from a pulpit or a grassy knoll?"
"That is begging the question, Sir Charles. Why assume that it is good
seed? it is more likely to be tares than wheat in this case."
"And is not that begging the question? Well, I will make it my business
to know: and if she preaches sedition, or heresy, or bad morals, I will
strain my power a little to silence her. More than that I really cannot
promise you. The day is gone by for intolerance."
"Intolerance is a bad thing; but the absence of all conviction is
worse, and that is what we are coming to."
"Not quite that: but the nation has tasted liberty; and now every man
assumes to do what is right in his own eyes.
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