Fear of a public trial
suggests passive endurance of wrong on my part; but an innate sense
of justice cries out against this course, and urges me to
resistance.'
"'If you are innocent,' said I, firmly, 'in the name and strength of
innocence defend yourself! All that a woman holds dearest is at
stake. If they drive you to this great extremity, do not shrink from
the trial.'
"'But what hope have I in such a trial if false witnesses come up
against me?'
"'God and justice are stronger than all the powers of evil,' said I.
"'They might be, in your case,' she answered, mournfully; 'for you
have made God your friend, and justice your strong tower. But
I--what have I to hope for in God? He has not been in all my
thoughts; and now will He not mock at my calamity?'
"'No--no, my unhappy friend!' I answered. 'He never turns from any;
it is we who turn from Him. His tender mercy is over all His works.
All human souls are alike precious in His eyes. If you trust in Him,
you need not fear your bitterest enemies.'
"'How shall I trust in him?'
"She bent towards me eagerly.
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