For the sake of my country, and perhaps a little for the sake of my soul, I have given up the deep peace of being in opposition. - Rebecca West

The Republic was extremely pious. She spoke of her Christianity at all times, and in her Golden Book there is a prayer for the magistrates of the Republic which runs: ‘0 Lord, Father Almighty, who hast chosen this Republic to serve Thee, choose, we beseech Thee, our governors, according to Thy Will and our necessity: that so, fearing Thee and keeping Thy Holy Commandments, they may cherish and direct us in true charity. Amen.’ Never was there a city so full of churches and chapels, never was there a people who submitted more loyally to the discipline of the Church. But there was a certain incongruity with this in their foreign policy.

I wanted you to forgive me for being me,” he said, “and having to be what I am, and do what I have done.” A smile passed over his lips. “Just as you might ask me to forgive you for being you.

I prayed and read the Bible, but I couldn't get any help. You don't notice how little there is in the Bible really till you go to it for help.