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escaped this mare of the devil. This
peculiar attention & faithfulness of the
Shepherd of my soul, had numberless
times since <emotion>caused me to shed grateful
tears;</emotion> but at that time it was soon
forgotten, excepting that I resolved to
leave off playing with edged tools. How-
ever I still went on in the froward-
ness of my heart, giving way to the
evil propensities of my nature, & going
as far in gratifying them as I durst,
till I got so entagled in the ways
of the world, that I was a complete
slave, & endeavoured to lull my con-
science asleep. Being once in com-
pany where all manner of unprofi-
table conversation was carried on, I
endeavoured to join it but the re-
straining grace of my dear Savior
would not permit it; for which (to my
shame be it spoken) <emotion>instead of be-
ing gratified I was exasperated & with-
drew in vexation.</emotion> Notwithstanding