But I was brought over again by the unwearied
diligence of my friend to repent of my backsliding, and view once
more the superiority of the Almighty's counsels in its fullest
latitude. Amen.
I prayed very much in secret about this time, and that with great
fervour of spirit, as well as humility; and my satisfaction at
finding all my requests granted is not to be expressed.
My illustrious friend still continuing to sound in my ears the
imperious duty to which I was called, of making away with my
sinful relations, and quoting many parallel actions out of the
Scriptures, and the writings of the holy fathers, of the pleasure the
Lord took in such as executed his vengeance on the wicked, I was
obliged to acquiesce in his measures, though with certain
limitations. It was not easy to answer his arguments, and yet I
was afraid that he soon perceived a leaning to his will on my part.
"If the acts of Jehu, in rooting out the whole house of his master,
were ordered and approved-of by the Lord," said he, "would it
not have been more praiseworthy if one of Ahab's own sons had
stood up for the cause of the God of Israel, and rooted out the
sinners and their idols out of the land?"
"It would certainly," said I.
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