Page:Omniana 2.djvu/67

 yet give so opposite a command to Ezekiel, who was also a priest and a prophet! My wonder was augmented, when I remarked that the prophet did not offer any objection to it, as he had done on another occasion, mentioned in the 4th chapter. While meditating on the subject, I felt a strong impression on my mind, as if these words had been addressed to me, as they were to the prophet. I wished to oppose and overcome it, but I had neither rest nor ease: I continually had this rebuke conveyed to my mind: How long wilt thou continue in subjection to the law? How long wilt thou oppose the word of God? In great perplexity, I fell down on my knees, and sighing, said, 'Lord! what wouldst thou have me do? strengthen me to combat with my wicked heart, and enable me to deny myself, and do thy holy will.' I then took a pair of scissars in my right hand, and a looking glass in my left, and began to cut my beard with great quak-