It is inconceivable, the agony with which this public veneration tortured him! it was his genuine impulse to adore the truth, and to reckon all things shadow-like, and utterly devoid of weight or value, that had not its divine essence as the life within their life. Then, what is he? -- a substance? -- or the dimmest of all shadows? He longed to speak out, from his own pulpit , at the full height of his voice, and tell the people what he was. "I, whom you behold in these black garments of the priesthood, -- I, who ascend the sacred desk, and turn my pale face heavenward, taking upon myself to hold communion, in your behalf, with the Most High Omniscience, --I, in whose daily life you discern the sanctity of Enoch --I, whose footsteps, as you suppose, leave a gleam along my earthly track, whereby the pilgrims that shall come after me may be guided to the regions of the blest, --I, who have laid the hand of baptism upon your children, --I, who have breathed the parting prayer over your dying friends, to whom the Amen sounded faintly from a world which they have quitted, --I, your pastor, whom you so reverence and trust, am utterly a pollution and a lie!"