"How knowest thou what purposes God may have to serve, by the trials with which thou art now
exercicised? Art thou to put a bound to the divine will, and to say, Thus much will I bear, and no more? And
wilt thou dare to say, That if the trial be augmented and continued, thou wilt sooner die than bear it? ... And
how do I know, but that God ... may have permitted these sufferings ... to make me rely solely on his grace
and assistance?"

-- Samuel Richardson, from Pamela

***************

"Sir, I have good news to tell you. I am setting out with all diligence for my Father's House. I am bid to hope
that he will receive his poor penitent with a goodness peculiar to himself; for I am overjoyed with the
assurance of a thorough reconciliation, through the interposition of a dear, blessed friend whom I always
loved and honoured. I am so taken up with my preparation for this joyful and long-wished-for journey that I
cannot spare one moment for any other business, having several matters of the last importance to settle
first. So pray, sir, don't disturb or interrupt me -- I beseech you, don't. You may possibly in time see me at my
Father's; at least, if it be not your own fault."

-- Samuel Richardson, from Clarissa

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