'So perish all the enemies of the Lord!' said Trellison. 'And now, Mr. Parris, there is yet one name to be added to that gloomy catalogue. Until now, I have not been nerved with strength to go forward in this divine work, and while my heart rebels at every step and my whole frame is convulsed with agony, I pronounce the name of Mary Graham.'
Mr. Parris started from his seat. 'Such a name, and from you, Mr. Trellison?'
'Tremble not, my friend, nor wonder at what seems so strange. I have had such revelations from the Lord, such experience of her dreadful compact with the Prince of darkness, and such proofs from others who know her well, that, upon the peril of my soul, I dare not disobey a voice louder than seven thunders to my ears. Miss Graham is bound over to Satan!'
'I cannot credit your assertions, Mr. Trellison: Miss Graham is above all suspicion. If such a mind is affected by this dreadful influence, who of us shall escape?'
'Nevertheless you must,' said Trellison. 'I was once held in bondage by her magic arts: but, thanks to God, my soul is now at liberty; escaped, as a bird out of the snare of the fowler. But others are still entangled in her yoke of bondage, and they must be liberated. Some of our students have fallen under her power, and under this roof is one who is daily persecuted by her devices. Clarissa Snow, the faithful servant of Mr. Ellerson, is now here, and will tell you in person what she has suffered.'
'Oh, righteous God!' said Mr. Parris, 'spare me this heavy blow! let not thy wrath wax hot against thy servant; and if this work of judgment must proceed, consign it, I beseech thee, to other hands, and let no more blood be found in my skirts!'
'What means this language?' said Trellison. 'Has not God vouchsafed to you his peculiar presence and blessing? has he not revealed to you these mysteries of iniquity, and made you the honored instrument of bringing to light the hidden things of darkness? will you pause in the work to which he calls you?
'I cannot pause,' replied Mr. Parris; 'but I know not how to proceed. Once more, I appeal to Heaven for the rectitude of my purposes; and if I am the chosen instrument to sweep the chaff from his threshing floor, I can only say—Oh God, thy will be done! let me not turn back from this work; let me not blench in this terrible conflict with the powers of darkness; let me not turn my hand from the shedding of blood, till a voice from the excellent Glory tells me to forbear!'
'And now,' he added, 'your testimony shall be examined, and if it be such as the revelations of God to my own soul shall approve, Miss Graham, whatever may be the consequences, must be arrested.'