Having now obtained mercy from God, and received the Spirit of adoption in my heart, my friends were surprised to see me look and behave so cheerfully, after the many reports they had heard concerning me. How ever, I soon found myself to be as a sheep sent forth among wolves in sheep s clothing; for they immediately endeavored to dissuade me (as they had lately done a friend that began with me), from a constant use of the means of grace, especially from weekly abstinence, and receiving the blessed sacrament. But God enabled me to resist them steadfast in the faith; and, by keeping close to him in his holy ordinances, I was made totriumph over all.