“Accept my thanks for the few lines with which you were
so good as to honour me on the receipt of a copy of my Tracts on the War. I know of no right
that I have to intrude upon you with opinions in which, I fear, you cannot
agree; but I was desirous you should see that the pacific sentiments which I
have of late avowed, and which have drawn down upon me so much odium and
misrepresentation, are not new to my mind; but are the result of a serious and
deliberate conviction, maintained through all the changes and fluctuations of
the contest, and founded on a sincere and earnest desire to promote the
interests and happiness of my country. I had certainly, at times, flattered
myself with hopes that these efforts might have contributed to much more
important purposes; but the obloquy I have met with from some quarters, and the
neglect I have experienced from the community at large, have but too feelingly
convinced
| 484 | LIFE OF WILLIAM ROSCOE. |
“But I have already said more to you on this subject in the way of complaint than I have ever said to any other person; and I will not, therefore, conceal from you that, in a general view, I am tranquillised and consoled by the reflection that the Great Disposer of events stands in need of no such feeble aid as any of his creatures can give, for accomplishing any purpose which he may in the course of his providence see proper to carry into effect; and that, therefore, to lament the failure of our individual efforts is equally wicked and presumptuous.”
