Amen.
Like the sinful king of Israel, I had been walking softly before the
Lord for a season. I had been humbled for my transgressions, and,
as far as I recollect, sorry on account of their numbers and
heinousness. My reverend father had been, moreover, examining
me every day regarding the state of my soul, and my answers
sometimes appeared to give him satisfaction, and sometimes not.
As for my mother, she would harp on the subject of my faith for
ever; yet, though I knew her to be a Christian, I confess that I
always despised her motley instructions, nor had I any great
regard for her person. If this was a crime in me, I never could
help it. I confess it freely, and believe it was a judgment from
heaven inflicted on her for some sin of former days, and that I
had no power to have acted otherwise towards her than I did.
In this frame of mind was I when my reverend father one
morning arose from his seat, and, meeting me as I entered the
room, he embraced me, and welcomed me into the community of
the just upon earth. I was struck speechless, and could make no
answer save by looks of surprise. My mother also came to me,
kissed, and wept over me; and, after showering unnumbered
blessings on my head, she also welcomed me into the society of
the just made perfect.
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