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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from Barlaam and Ioasaph by St. John of Damascus: to fulfil thy promises, and to deliver from the error of the
Christians my son that hath rebelled against our religion, and to
reconcile him to our gracious gods. For, though I have left no
device and deed untried, yet have I found no remedy for the
mischief, but I perceive that his will is stronger than all.
When I have dealt gently and kindly with him, I have found that
he payeth me no regard whatsoever. When I have treated him
harshly and severely, I have seen him driven the quicker to
desperation. To thy wisdom for the future I leave the care of
this calamity that hath befallen me. If then I be delivered from
this trouble by thy means, and once more behold my son
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