It is useful to know something of the manners of different nations, that we may be enabled to form a more correct judgment regarding our own, and be prevented from thinking that everything contrary to our customs is ridiculous and irrational,—a conclusion usually come to by those whose experience has been limited to their own country.
Reasoning with God (allthetropes.org)A plot point where a mortal persuades the Powers That Be to come to their aid or postpone/abort an act of divine wrath.