'What have I done?' the Puritan rejoined, speaking in a loud voice, as

if desirous that his words should reach the assemblage outside
'What have I done?' the Puritan rejoined, speaking in a loud voice, as
if desirous that his words should reach the assemblage outside. 'I have
done that which thou thyself should"st have done, Aveline. I have
signified my abhorrence of this vain ceremonial. But wherefore do I find
you here? This is no fitting sight for any discreet maiden to witness;
and little did I think that daughter of mine would encourage such
profane displays by her presence. Little did I think that you, Aveline,
would look on and smile while these ignorant and benighted folk set up
their idol, piping, dancing, and singing around it as the Gentiles did
at the dedications of their deities. For it _is_ an idol they have set
up, and they have become like the heathens, worshippers of stocks and
stones. Are we not expressly forbidden by the Holy Scriptures to make
unto ourselves idols and graven images? The sins of idolatry and
superstition will assuredly provoke the Divine displeasure, and kindle
the fire of its wrath, as they did in the days of Moses, after the
worshipping of the Golden Calf by the Israelites. Thus spake offended
Heaven:--"Let me alone that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that
I may consume them." Grievously will the Lord punish such as are guilty
of these sins, for hath He not declared, as we read in Leviticus, "I
will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries to desolation?"
And be assured, O daughter, that heavy judgments will descend upon the
land, if warning be not taken in time.'