He thought it nothing but just that the law should take its course.
This might involve the mortification of our private feelings; it would certainly be a grief to him, loving, as he did, the souls committed to his care; but individual affections must be sacrificed to the general weal.

The young man, Ralph Ray, had outraged the laws of his country in fighting and conspiring against his anointed King.

It was hard, but it was right, that he should be punished for his treason.
His reverence was speaking in cold metallic tones, that fell like the clank of chains on Rotha's ears.
"Moreover, we should all do our best for the King," said the clergyman, "to bring such delinquents to justice." "Shaf!" cried Matthew Branthwaite from the other end of the table.

The little knots of talkers had suddenly become silent.
"Shaf!" repeated Matthew; "what did ye do yersel for the King in Oliver's days?
Wilt thoo mak me tell thee?
Didst thoo not tak what thoo called the oath of abjuration agen the King five years agone?
Didst thoo not?
Ey?
And didst thoo not come round and ask ivery man on us to do the same ?" The clergyman looked confounded.

He dropped his knife and, unable to make a rejoinder, turned to those about him and said, in a tone of amazement, "Did you ever hear the like ?" "Nay," cried Matthew, following up his advantage, "ye may hear it agen, an ye will." Poor Mrs.Branthwaite seemed sorely distressed.