" [Footnote: _History of Harvard_, i. 475,
476, App. ix.]
His craving to escape from the country was increased by the nagging of the
legislature; for so early as December, 1693, the representatives passed
the first of a long series of resolves, "that the president of Harvard
College for the time being shall reside there, as hath been accustomed in
time past." [Footnote: _Court Rec._ vi. 316.] Now this was precisely
what the Reverend Doctor was determined he would not do; nor could he
resign without losing all hope of his agency; so it is not surprising that
as time went on he wrestled with the Deity.
1698. "September 25th. This day as I was wrestling with the Lord, he gave
me glorious and heart-melting persuasions, that he has work for me to do
in England, for the glory of his name. My soul rejoiceth in the Lord."
[Footnote: _History of Harvard_, i. 480, App. ix.]
Doubtless his trials were severe, but the effect upon his temper was
unfortunate. He brought forward scheme after scheme, and the corporation
was made to address the legislature, and then the legislature was pestered
to accede to the prayer of the corporation, until everybody was wrought to
a pitch of nervous irritation; he himself was always jotting in his Diary
what he had on foot, mixed with his hopes and prayers.
"1696. December 11th.
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