.HE PRACTICE OF THE ^RESENCE OF GOD HE BEST RULE OF A HOLY UFB fornia nal ty BROTHER LAWRENCE THE WARD THORNTONS 112 Second Avenue Chula Vista, California LIBRARY presented to the LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA • SAN DIF.GO by FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY Ward L. Thornton donor N VERSITY OF CALIFORNIA n 3 182202751 8810 THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD CONVERSATIONS and LETTERS O/UJICHQLAS (HERMAN of LORRAINE BROTHER LAWRENCE Introduction by Hannah Whitall Smith NEW YORK Fleming H. Revell Company Los ANGELES • LONDON • GLASGOW Distributed b> Scriven< r & Co 6007 Barton Ave. Los Angeles 38 Copyright, 1895, by FLEMING H. REVELL COMPANY. Translated from the French Printed in the United States of America 158 Fifth Avenue, New York 10, N.Y. 2173 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles 41, Calif. 29 Ludgate Hill, London E.C. 4, England 229 Bothwell St., Glasgow C. 2, Scotland Contents INTRODUCTION 7 PREFACE i i CONVERSATIONS FIRST CONVERSATION 1 3 SECOND CONVERSATION 1 6 THIRD CONVERSATION 2 1 FOURTH CONVERSATION 24 LETTERS FIRST LETTER 3 I SECOND LETTER 33 THIRD LETTER 39 FOURTH LETTER 41 FIFTH LETTER 44 SIXTH LETTER 46 SEVENTH LETTER 48 EIGHTH LETTER 5O NINTH LETTER 5 I TENTH LETTER 5 3 Contents ELEVENTH LETTER j j TWELFTH LETTER j7 THIRTEENTH LETTER jg FOURTEENTH LETTER £O FIFTEENTH LETTER 6 1 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.— II Corinthians 11:3. THE value of this little book is its extreme simplicity. The trouble with most of the re- ligion of the day is its extreme complexity. "Brother Lawrence" was not troubled with any theological difficulties or doctrinal dilem- mas. For him these did not exist. His one single aim was to bring about a conscious personal union between himself and God, and he took the shortest cut he could find to accomplish it. The result can best be described in his own words: "If I dare use the expression, I should choose to call this state the bosom of God, for the inexpressible sweetness which I taste and experience there." What Brother Lawrence did all can do. No theological training nor any especial theologi- cal views are needed for the blessed "practice" 8 Introduction he recommended. No gorgeous churches, nor stately cathedral, nor elaborate ritual, could either make or mar it. A kitchen and an altar were as one to him; and to pick up a straw from the ground was as grand a service as to preach to multitudes. "The time of business," said he, "does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clutter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament." This little book, therefore, seems to me one of the most helpful I know. It fits into the lives of all human beings, let them be rich or poor, learned or unlearned, wise or simple. The woman at her wash-tub, or the stone-breaker on the road, can carry on the "practice" here taught with as much ease and as much assur- ance of success as the priest at his altar or the missionary in his field of work. All must feel that anything that brings the religion of Christ within reach of overworked and poverty-stricken humanity, in the midst of its ignorance and its helplessness, is a price- less boon, and this is what Brother Lawrence does. His "practice" requires neither time, nor talents, nor training. At any moment, in the Introduction 9 midst of any occupation, under any circum- stances, the soul that wants to know God can "practise the presence" and can come to the knowledge. The Lord Christ of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge, let the "seemings" be what they may; and we need but to recognize this as a continual, ever-pres- ent fact, and the inexpressible sweetness to which Brother Lawrence attained will become ours. HANNAH WHITALL SMITH 'ace THIS book consists of notes of several con- versations had with, and letters written by, Nicholas Herman, of Lorraine, a lowly and unlearned man, who, after having been a foot- man and soldier, was admitted a Lay brother among the barefooted Carmelites at Paris in 1666, and was afterward known as "Brother Lawrence." His conversion, which took place when he was about eighteen years old, was the result, under GOD, of the mere sight in midwinter of a dry and leafless tree, and of the reflections it stirred respecting the change the coming spring would bring. From that time he grew emi- nently in the knowledge and love of GOD, en- deavoring constantly to walk "as in His pres- ence." No wilderness wanderings seem to have intervened between the Red Sea and the Jordan of his experience. A wholly consecrated man, he lived his Christian life through as a pilgrim, ii 12 Preface as a steward and not as an owner, and died at the age of eighty, leaving a name which has been as "ointment poured forth." The "Conversations" are supposed to have been written by M. Beaufort, Grand Vicar to M. de Chalons, formerly Cardinal de Noailles, by whose recommendation the "Letters" were first published. The book, within a short time, went through repeated editions, and has been a means of blessing to many souls. It contains very much of that wisdom which only lips the LORD has touched can express, and which only hearts He has made teachable can receive. May this edition also be blessed by GOD, and redound to the praise of the glory of His grace. FIRST CONVERSATION THE first time I saw Brother Lawrence was upon the }d of August, 1666. He told me that GOD had done him a singular favor in his con- version at the age of eighteen. That in the winter, seeing a tree stripped of its leaves, and considering that within a little time the leaves would be renewed, and after that the flowers and fruit appear, he received a high view of the providence and power of GOD, which has never since been effaced from his soul. That this view had perfectly set him loose from the world, and kindled in him such a love for GOD that he could not tell whether it had increased during the more than forty years he had lived since. That he had been footman to M. Fieubert, the treasurer, and that he was a great awkward fellow who broke everything. 13 14 Conversations That he had desired to be received into a monastery, thinking that he would there be made to smart for his awkwardness and the faults he should commit, and so he should sacrifice to GOD his life, with its pleasures; but that GOD had disappointed him, he having met with nothing but satisfaction in that state. That we should establish ourselves in a sense of GOD'S presence by continually conversing with Him. That it was a shameful thing to quit His conversation to think of trifles and fooleries. That we should feel and nourish our souls with high notions of GOD; which would yield us great joy in being devoted to Him. That we ought to quicken — i.e., to enliven — our faith. That it was lamentable we had so little; and that instead of taking faith for the rule of their conduct, men amused themselves with trivial devotions, which changed daily. That the way of faith was the spirit of the church, and that it was sufficient to bring us to a high degree of perfection. That we ought to give ourselves up to GOD, with regard both to things temporal and spir- itual, and seek our satisfaction only in the ful- filling of His will, whether He lead us by Conversations 1 5 suffering or by consolation, for all would be equal to a soul truly resigned. That there needed fidelity in those drynesses or insensibili- ties and irksomenesses in prayer by which GOD tries our love to Him; that then was the time for us to make good and effectual acts of resig- nation, whereof one alone would oftentimes very much promote our spiritual advancement. That as for the miseries and sins he heard of daily in the world, he was so far from wonder- ing at them that, on the contrary, he was sur- prised that there were not more, considering the malice sinners were capable of; that, for his part, he prayed for them; but knowing that GOD could remedy the mischiefs they did when He pleased, he gave himself no further trouble. That to arrive at such resignation as GOD re- quires, we should watch attentively over all the passions which mingle as well in spiritual things as in those of a grosser nature; that GOD would give light concerning those passions to those who truly desire to serve Him. That if this was my design, viz., sincerely to serve GOD, I might come to him (Brother Lawrence) as often as I pleased, without any fear of being troublesome; but if not, that I ought no more to visit him. 1 6 Conversations SECOND CONVERSATION That he had always been governed by love, without selfish views; and that having resolved to make the love of GOD the end of all his ac- tions, he had found reasons to be well satisfied with his method. That he was pleased when he could take up a straw from the ground for the love of GOD, seeking Him only, and nothing else, not even His gifts. That he had been long troubled in mind from a certan belief that he should be damned; that all the men in the world could not have persuaded him to the contrary; but that he had thus reasoned with himself about it: I engaged in a religious life only for the love of GOD, and I have endeavored to act only for Him; what- ever becomes of me, whether I be lost or saved, I will always continue to act purely for the love of GOD. / shall have this good at least, that till death I shall have done all that is in me to love Him. That this trouble of mind had lasted four years, during which time he had suffered much; but that at last he had seen that this trouble arose from want of faith, and that since he had passed his life in perfect liberty and continual joy. That he had placed his sins betwixt him and GOD, as it were, to tell Him that he did not Conversations 17 deserve His favors, but that GOD still contin- ued to bestow them in abundance. That in order to form a habit of conversing with GOD continually, and referring all we do to Him, we must at first apply to Him with some diligence; but that after a little care we should find His love inwardly excite us to it without any difficulty. That he expected, after the pleasant days GOD had given him, he should have his turn of pain and suffering; but that he was not uneasy about it, knowing very well that as he could do nothing of himself, GOD would not fail to give him the strength to bear it. That when an occasion of practising some virtue offered, he addressed himself to GOD, saying, LORD, / cannot do this unless Thou enablest me; and that then he received strength more than sufficient. That when he had failed in his duty, he only confessed his fault, saying to GOD, I shall never do otherwise if You leave me to myself; it is You who must hinder my falling, and mend what is amiss. That after this he gave himself no further uneasiness about it. That we ought to act with GOD in the great- est simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our 1 8 Conversations affairs, just as they happen. That GOD never failed to grant it, as he had often experienced. That he had been lately sent into Burgundy, to buy the provision of wine for the society, which was a very unwelcome task for him, be- cause he had no turn for business, and because he was lame and could not go about the boat but by rolling himself over the casks. That, however, he gave himself no uneasiness about it, nor about the purchase of the wine. That he said to GOD, // was His business he was about, and that he afterward found it very well performed. That he had been sent into Auvergne, the year before, upon the same ac- count; that he could not tell how the matter passed, but that it proved very well. So, likewise, in his business in the kitchen (to which he had naturally a great aversion), having accustomed himself to do everything there for the love of GOD, and with prayer, upon all occasions, for His grace to do his work well, he had found everything easy, during fif- teen years that he had been employed there. That he was very well pleased with the post he was now in; but that he was as ready to quit that as the former, since he was always pleasing himself in every condition by doing little things for the love of GOD. Conversations 19 That with him the set times of prayer were not different from other times; that he retired to pray, according to the directions of his superior, but that he did not want such retire- ment, nor ask for it, because his greatest busi- ness did not divert him from GOD. That as he knew his obligation to love GOD in all things, and as he endeavored so to do, he had no need of a director to advise him, but that he needed much a confessor to absolve him. That he was very sensible of his faults, but not discouraged by them; that he con- fessed them to GOD, but did not plead against Him to excuse them. When he had so done, he peaceably resumed his usual practice of love and adoration. That in his trouble of mind he had consulted nobody, but knowing only by the light of faith that GOD was present, he contented himself with directing all his actions to Him, i.e., doing them with a desire to please Him, let what would come of it. That useless thoughts spoil all; that the mis- chief began there; but that we ought to reject them as soon as we perceived their impertinence to the matter in hand, or our salvation, and re- turn to our communion with GOD. That at the beginning he had often passed io Conversations his time appointed for prayer in rejecting wandering thoughts and falling back into them. That he could never regulate his devotion by certain methods as some do. That, neverthe- less, at first he had meditated for some time, but afterward that went off, in a manner he could give no account of. That all bodily mortifications and other ex- ercises are useless, except as they serve to arrive at the union with GOD by love; that he had well considered this, and found it the shortest way to go straight to Him by a continual ex- ercise of love and doing all things for His sake. That we ought to make a great difference between the acts of the understanding and those of the will; that the first were compara- tively of little value, and the others, all. That our only business was to love and delight our- selves in GOD. That all possible kinds of mortification, if they were void of the love of GOD, could not efface a single sin. That we ought, without anx- iety, to expect the pardon of our sins from the blood of JESUS CHRIST, only endeavoring to love Him with all our hearts. That GOD seemed to have granted the greatest favors to the greatest sinners, as more signal monuments of His mercy. Conversations 21 That the greatest pains or pleasures of this world were not to be compared with what he had experienced of both kinds in a spiritual state; so that he was careful for nothing and feared nothing, desiring only one thing of GOD, viz., that he might not offend Him. That he had no scruples; for, said he, when I fail in my duty, I readily acknowledge it, say- ing, I am used to do so; I shall never do other- wise if I am left to -myself. If I fail not, then I give GOD thanks, acknowledging that the strength comes from Him. THIRD CONVERSATION He told me that the foundation of the spir- itual life in him had been a high notion and esteem of GOD in faith; which when he had once well conceived, he had no other care at first but faithfully to reject every other thought, that he might perform all his actions for the love of GOD. That when sometimes he had not thought of GOD for a good while, he did not disquiet himself for it; but, after hav- ing acknowledged his wretchedness to GOD, he returned to Him with so much the greater trust in Him as he had found himself wretched through forgetting Him. 22 Conversations That the trust we put in GOD honors Him much and draws down great graces. That it was impossible not only that GOD should deceive, but also that He should long let a soul suffer which is perfectly resigned to Him, and resolved to endure everything for His sake. That he had so often experienced the ready succors of divine grace upon all occasions, that from the same experience, when he had busi- ness to do, he did not think of it beforehand; but when it was time to do it, he found in GOD, as in a clear mirror, all that was fit for him to do. That of late he had acted thus, without an- ticipating care; but before the experience above mentioned, he had used it in his affairs. When outward business diverted him a little from the thought of GOD, a fresh remembrance coming from GOD invested his soul, and so inflamed and transported him that it was diffi- cult for him to contain himself. That he was more united to GOD in his out- ward employments than when he left them for devotion and retirement. That he expected hereafter some great pain of body or mind; that the worst that could happen to him was to lose that sense of GOD which he had enjoyed so long; but that the Conversations 23 goodness of GOD assured him. He would not forsake him utterly, and that He would give him strength to bear whatever evil He permit- ted to happen to him; and therefore that he feared nothing, and had no occasion to consult with anybody about his state. That when he had attempted to do it, he had always come away more perplexed; and that as he was con- scious of his readiness to lay down his life for the love of GOD, he had no apprehension of danger. That perfect resignation to GOD waj a sure way to heaven, a way in which we had always sufficient light for our conduct. That in the beginning of the spiritual life we ought to be faithful in doing our duty and denying ourselves; but after that, unspeakable pleasures followed. That in difficulties we need only have recourse to JESUS CHRIST, and beg His grace; with that everything became easy. That many do not advance in the Christian progress because they stick in penances and particular exercises, while they neglect the love of GOD, which is the end. That this appeared plainly by their works, and was the reason why we see so little solid virtue. That there needed neither art nor science for going to GOD, but only a heart resolutely de- 24 Conversations termined to apply itself to nothing but Him, or for His sake, and to love Him only. FOURTH CONVERSATION He discoursed with me frequently, and with great openness of heart, concerning his manner of going to GOD, whereof some part is related already. He told me that all consists in one hearty renunciation of everything which we are sensi- ble does not lead to GOD. That we might ac- custom ourselves to a continual conversation with Him, with freedom and in simplicity. That we need only to recognize GOD intimately present with us, to address ourselves to Him every moment, that we may beg His assistance for knowing His will in things doubtful, and for rightly performing those which we plainly see He requires of us, offering them to Him before we do them, and giving Him thanks when we have done. That in this conversation with God we are also employed in praising, adoring, and loving Him incessantly, for His infinite goodness and perfection. That, without being discouraged on account of our sins, we should pray for His grace with Conversations 25 a perfect confidence, as relying upon the in- finite merits of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. That GOD never failed offering us His grace at each action; that he distinctly perceived it, and never failed of it, unless when his thoughts had wandered from a sense of GOD'S presence, or he had forgotten to ask His assistance. That GOD always gave us light in our doubts when we had no other design but to please Him. That our sanctification did not depend upon changing our works, but in doing that for GOD'S sake which we commonly do for our own. That it was lamentable to see how many people mistook the means for the end, addicting themselves to certain works, which they per- formed very imperfectly, by reason of their human or selfish regards. That the most excellent method he had found of going to GOD was that of doing our common business without any view of pleasing men,* and (as far as we are capable) purely for the love of GOD. That it was a great delusion to think that the times of prayer ought to differ from other times; that we are as strictly obliged to adhere * Gal. i: 10; Eph. 6: 5, 6. 26 Conversations to GOD by action in the time of action as by prayer in the season of prayer. That his prayer was nothing else but a sense of the presence of GOD, his soul being at that time insensible to everything but divine love; and that when the appointed times of prayer were past, he found no difference, because he still continued with GOD, praising and blessing Him with all his might, so that he passed his life in continual joy; yet hoped that GOD would give him somewhat to suffer when he should grow stronger. That we ought, once for all, heartily to put our whole trust in GOD, and make a total sur- render of ourselves to Him, secure that He would not deceive us. That we ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of GOD, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed. That we should not wonder if, in the beginning, we often failed in our endeavors, but that at last we should gain a habit, which will naturally produce its acts in us, without our care, and to our exceeding great delight. That the whole substance of religion was faith, hope, and charity, by the practice of which we become united to the will of GOD; ^Conversations 27 that all besides is indifferent, and to be used as a means that we may arrive at our end, and be swallowed up therein, by faith and charity. That all things are possible to him who be- lieves; that they are less difficult to him who hopes; that they are more easy to him who loves, and still more easy to him who perseveres in the practice of these three virtues. That the end we ought to propose to our- selves is to become, in this life, the most perfect worshipers of GOD we can possibly be, as we hope to be through all eternity. That when we enter upon the spiritual life, we should consider and examine to the bottom what we are. And then we should find our- selves worthy of all contempt, and not deserv- ing indeed the name of Christians; subject to all kinds of misery and numberless accidents, which trouble us and cause perpetual vicissi- tudes in our health, in our humors, in our in- ternal and external dispositions; in fine, per- sons whom GOD would humble by many pains and labors, as well within as without. After this we should not wonder that troubles, temp- tations, oppositions, and contradictions hap- pen to us from men. We ought, on the con- trary, to submit ourselves to them, and bear 28 Conversations them as long as GOD pleases, as things highly advantageous to us. That the greater perfection a soul aspires after, the more dependent it is upon divine grace. * Being questioned by one of his own society (to whom he was obliged to open himself) by what means he had attained such an habitual sense of GOD, he told him that, since his first coming to the monastery, he had considered GOD as the end of all his thoughts and desires, as the mark to which they should tend, and in which they should terminate. That in the beginning of his novitiate he spent the hours appointed for private prayer in thinking of GOD, so as to convince his mind of, and to impress deeply upon his heart, the divine existence, rather by devout sentiments, and submission to the lights of faith, than by studied reasonings and elaborate meditations. That by this short and sure method he exer- cised himself in the knowledge and love of GOD, resolving to use his utmost endeavor to live in a continual sense of His presence, and, if possible, never to forget Him more. That when he had thus in prayer filled his * The particulars which follow are collected from other ac- counts of Brother Lawrence. Conversations 29 mind with great sentiments of that infinite Being, he went to his work appointed in the kitchen (for he was cook to the society) . There having first considered severally the things his office required, and when and how each thing was to be done, he spent all the intervals of his time, as well before as after his work, in prayer. That when he began his business, he said to GOD, with a filial trust in Him: O my GOD, since Thou art with me, and I must now, in obedience to Thy commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I beseech Thee to grant me the grace to continue in Thy presence', and to this end do Thou prosper me with Thy as- sistance, receive all my works, and possess all my affections. As he proceeded in his work he continued his familiar conversation with his Maker, im- ploring His grace, and offering to Him all his actions. When he had finished he examined himself how he had discharged his duty; if he found well, he returned thanks to GOD; if otherwise, he asked pardon, and, without being discour- aged, he set his mind right again, and contin- ued his exercise of the presence of GOD as if he had never deviated from it. "Thus," said he, "by rising after my falls, and by frequently 3O Conversations renewed acts of faith and love, I am come to a state wherein it would be as difficult for me not to think of GOD as it was at first to ac- custom myself to it." As Brother Lawrence had found such an ad- vantage in walking in the presence of GOD, it was natural for him to recommend it earnestly to others; but his example was a stronger in- ducement than any arguments he could pro- pose. His very countenance was edifying, such a sweet and calm devotion appearing in it as could not but affect the beholders. And it was observed that in the greatest hurry of business in the kitchen he still preserved his recollection and heavenly-mindedness. He was never hasty nor loitering, but did each thing in its season, with an even, uninterrupted composure and tranquillity of spirit. "The time of business," said he, "does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess GOD in as great tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament." FIRST LETTER SINCE you desire so earnestly that I should communicate to you the method by which I arrived at that habitual sense of GOD'S presence, which our LORD, of His mercy, has been pleased to vouchsafe to me, I must tell you that it is with great difficulty that I am prevailed on by your importunities; and now I do it only upon the terms that you show my letter to nobody. If I knew that you would let it be seen, all the desire that I have for your advancement would not be able to determine me to it. The account I can give you is: Having found in many books different methods of going to GOD, and divers practices of the spiritual life, I thought this would serve rather to puzzle me than facilitate what I sought after, which was nothing but how to become wholly GOD'S. This made me resolve 32 Letters to give the all for the all; so after having given myself wholly to GOD, that He might take away my sin, / renounced, for the love of Him, everything that was not He, and I began to live as if there was none but He and I in the world. Sometimes I considered myself before Him as a poor criminal at the feet of his judge: at other times I beheld Him in my heart as my FATHER, as my GOD. I worshiped Him the of tenest that I could, keeping my mind in His holy presence, and recalling it as often as I found it wandered from Him. I found no small pain in this exercise, and yet I continued it, notwithstanding all the difficulties that oc- curred, without troubling or disquieting my- self when my mind had wandered involun- tarily. I made this my business as much all the day long as at the appointed times of prayer; for at all times, every hour, every minute, even in the height of my business, I drove away from my mind everything that was capable of inter- rupting my thought of GOD. Such has been my common practice ever since I entered in religion; and though I have done it very imperfectly, yet I have found great advantages by it. These, I well know, are to be imputed to the mere mercy and goodness Letters 3 3 of GOD, because we can do nothing without Him, and / still less than any. But when we are faithful to keep ourselves in His holy pres- ence, and set Him always before us, this not only hinders our offending Him and doing any- thing that may displease Him, at least wilfully, but it also begets in us a holy freedom, and, if I may so speak, a familiarity with GOD, where- with we ask, and that successfully, the graces we stand in need of. In fine, by often repeating these acts, they become habitual, and the pres- ence of GOD rendered as it were natural to us. Give Him thanks, if you please, with me, for His great goodness toward me, which I can never sufficiently admire, for the many favors He has done to so miserable a sinner as I am. May all things praise Him. Amen. I am, in our LORD, Yours, etc. SECOND LETTER To the Reverend Not finding my manner of life in books, al- though I have no difficulty about it, yet, for greater security, I shall be glad to know your thoughts concerning it. 34 Letters In a conversation some days since with a person of piety, he told me the spiritual life was a life of grace, which begins with servile fear, which is increased by hope of eternal life, and which is consummated by pure love; that each of these states had its different stages, by which one arrives at last at that blessed consumma- tion. I have not followed all these methods. On the contrary, from I know not what instincts, I found they discouraged me. This was the reason why, at my entrance into religion, I took a resolution to give myself up to GOD, as the best return I could make for His love, and, for the love of Him, to renounce all besides. For the first year I commonly employed my- self during the time set apart for devotion with the thought of death, judgment, heaven, hell, and my sins. Thus I continued some years, ap- plying my mind carefully the rest of the day, and even in the midst of my business, to the presence of GOD, whom I considered always as -with me, often as in me. At length I came insensibly to do the same thing during my set time of prayer, which caused in me great delight and consolation. This practice produced in me so high an esteem Letters 3 5 for GOD that faith alone was capable to satisfy me in that point.* Such was my beginning, and yet I must tell you that for the first ten years I suffered much. The apprehension that I was not devoted to GOD as I wished to be, my past sins always present to my mind, and the great unmerited favors which GOD did me, were the matter and source of my sufferings. During this time I fell often, and rose again presently. It seemed to me that all creatures, reason, and GOD Him- self were against me, and faith alone for me. I was troubled sometimes with thoughts that to believe I had received such favors was an effect of my presumption, which pretended to be at once where others arrive with difficulty; at other times, that it was a wilful delusion, and that there was no salvation for me. When I thought of nothing but to end my days in these troubles (which did not at all diminish the trust I had in GOD, and which served only to increase my faith) , I found my- self changed all at once; and my soul, which * / suppose he means that all distinct notions he could form of GOD were unsatisfactory, because he perceived them to be unworthy of GOD; and therefore his mind was not to be satisfied but by the views of faith, which apprehend GOD as infinite and incomprehensible, as He is in Himself, and not as He can be conceived by human ideas. 3 6 Letters till that time was in trouble, felt a profound inward peace, as if she were in her center and place of rest. Ever since that time I walk before GOD simply, in faith, with humility and with love, and I apply myself diligently to do nothing and think nothing which may displease Him. I hope that when I have done what I can, He will do with me what He pleases. As for what passes in me at present, I cannot express it. I have no pain or difficulty about my state, because I have no will but that of GOD, which I endeavor to accomplish in all things, and to which I am so resigned that I would not take up a straw from the ground against His order, or from any other motive than purelv that of love to Him. I have quitted all forms of devotion and set prayers but those to which my state obliges me. And I make it my business only to persevere in His holy presence, wherein I keep myself by a simple attention, and a general fond regard to GOD, which I may call an actual presence of GOD; or, to speak better, an habitual, silent, and secret conversation of the soul with GOD, which often causes me joys and raptures in- wardly, and sometimes also outwardly, so great Letters 37 that I am forced to use means to moderate them and prevent their appearance to others. In short, I am assured beyond all doubt that my soul has been with GOD above these thirty years. I pass over many things that I may not be tedious to you, yet I think it proper to in- form you after what manner I consider myself before GOD, whom I behold as my King. I consider myself as the most wretched of men, full of sores and corruption, and who has committed all sorts of crimes against his King. Touched with a sensible regret, I confess to Him all my wickedness, I ask His forgiveness, I abandon myself in His hands that He may do what He pleases with me. The King, full of mercy and goodness, very far from chastising me, embraces me with love, makes me eat at His table, serves me with His own hands, gives me the key of His treasures; He converses and delights Himself with me incessantly, in a thousand and a thousand ways, and treats me in all respects as His favorite. It is thus I con- sider myself from time to time in His holy presence. My most useful method is this simple atten- tion, and such a general passionate regard to GOD, to whom I find myself often attached 38 Letters with greater sweetness and delight than that of an infant at the mother's breast; so that, if I dare use the expression, I should choose to call this state the bosom of GOD, for the inexpressi- ble sweetness which I taste and experience there. If sometimes my thoughts wander from it by necessity or infirmity, I am presently re- called by inward motions so charming and de- licious that I am ashamed to mention them. I desire your Reverence to reflect rather upon my great wretchedness, of which you are fully informed, than upon the great favors which GOD does me, all unworthy and ungrateful as I am. As for my set hours of prayer, they are only a continuation of the same exercise. Sometimes I consider myself there as a stone before a carver, whereof he is to make a statue; presenting my- self thus before GOD, I desire Him to form His perfect image in my soul, and make me entirely like Himself. At other times, when I apply myself to prayer, I feel all my spirit and all my soul lift itself up without any care or effort of mine, and it continues as it were suspended and firmly fixed in GOD, as in its center and place of rest. I know that some charge this state with in- Letters 39 activity, delusion, and self-love. I confess that it is a holy inactivity, and would be a happy self-love if the soul in that state were capable of it, because, in effect, while she is in this re- pose, she cannot be disturbed by such acts as she was formerly accustomed to, and which were then her support, but which would now rather hinder than assist her. Yet I cannot bear that this should be called delusion, because the soul which thus enjoys GOD desires herein nothing but Him. If this be delusion in me, it belongs to GOD to remedy it. Let Him do what He pleases with me; I de- sire only Him, and to be wholly devoted to Him. You will, however, oblige me in sending me your opinion, to which I always pay a great deference, for I have a singular esteem for your Reverence, and am, in our LORD, Yours, etc. THIRD LETTER We have a GOD who is infinitely gracious and knows all about our wants. I always thought that He would reduce you to extremity. He will come in His own time, and when you least expect it. Hope in Him more than ever; thank Him with me for the favors He does you, par- 40 Letters ticularly for the fortitude and patience which He gives you in your afflictions. It is a plain mark of the care He takes of you. Comfort yourself, then, with Him, and give thanks for all. I admire also the fortitude and bravery of Mr. . GOD has given him a good disposition and a good will; but there is in him still a little of the world and a great deal of youth. I hope the affliction which GOD has sent him will prove a wholesome remedy to him, and make him enter into himself. It is an accident which should engage him to put all his trust in Him who accompanies him everywhere. Let him think of Him as often as he can, especially in the greatest dangers. A little lifting up of the heart suffices. A little remembrance of GOD, one act of inward worship, though upon a march, and a sword in hand, are prayers, which, however short, are nevertheless very acceptable to GOD; and far from lessening a soldier's courage in occasions of danger, they best serve to fortify it. Let him then think of GOD the most he can. Let him accustom himself, by degrees, to this small but holy exercise. No one will notice it, and nothing is easier than to repeat often in the day these little internal adorations. Recom- Letters 41 mend to him, if you please, that he think of GOD the most he can, in the manner here di- rected. It is very fit and most necessary for a soldier who is daily exposed to the dangers of life. I hope that GOD will assist him and all the family, to whom I present my service, being theirs and Yours, etc. FOURTH LETTER I have taken this opportunity to communi- cate to you the sentiments of one of our so- ciety, concerning the admirable effects and continual assistances which he receives from the presence of GOD. Let you and me both profit by them. You must know his continual care has been, for about forty years past that he has spent in religion, to be always with GOD, and to do nothing, say nothing, and think nothing which may displease Him, and this without any other view than purely for the love of Him, and be- cause He deserves infinitely more. He is now so accustomed to that divine presence that he receives from it continual suc- cors upon all occasions. For about thirty years his soul has been filled with joys so continual, 42 Letters and sometimes so great, that he is forced to use means to moderate them, and to hinder their appearing outwardly. If sometimes he is a little too much absent from that divine presence, GOD presently makes Himself to be felt in his soul to recall him, which often happens when he is most engaged in his outward business. He answers with exact fidelity to these inward drawings, either by an elevation of his heart toward GOD, or by a meek and fond regard to Him; or by such words as love forms upon these occasions, as, for instance, My GOD, here I am all devoted to Thee. LORD, make me according to Thy heart. And then it seems to him (as in effect he feels it) that this GOD of love, satisfied with such few words, reposes again, and rests in the fund and center of his soul. The experience of these things gives him such an assurance that GOD is always in the fund or bottom of his soul that it renders him incapable of doubting it upon any account whatever. Judge by this what content and satisfaction he enjoys while he continually finds in himself so great a treasure. He is no longer in an anx- ious search after it, but has it open before him, and may take what he pleases of it. He complains much of our blindness, and Letters 43 cries often that we are to be pitied who con- tent ourselves with so little. GOD, saith he, has infinite treasure to bestow, and we take up with a little sensible devotion, which passes in a moment. Blind as we are, we hinder GOD and stop the current of His graces. But when He finds a soul penetrated with a lively faith, He pours into it His graces and favors plentifully; there they flow like a torrent which, after being forcibly stopped against its ordinary course, when it has found a passage, spreads it- self with impetuosity and abundance. Yes, we often stop this torrent by the little value we set upon it. But let us stop it no more; let us enter into ourselves and break down the bank which hinders it. Let us make way for grace; let us redeem the lost time, for perhaps we have but little left. Death follows us close; let us be well prepared for it; for we die but once, and a miscarriage there is irretrievable. I say again, let us enter into ourselves. The time presses, there is no room for delay; our souls are at stake. I believe you have taken such effectual measures that you will not be sur- prised. I commend you for it; it is the one thing necessary. We must, nevertheless, always work at it, because not to advance in the spiritual life is to go back. But those who have 44 Letters the gale of the HOLY SPIRIT go forward even in sleep. If the vessel of our soul is still tossed with winds and storms, let us awake the LORD, who reposes in it, and He will quickly calm the sea. I have taken the liberty to impart to you these good sentiments, that you may compare them with your own. It will serve again to kindle and inflame them, if by misfortune (which GOD forbid, for it would be indeed a great misfortune) they should be, though never so little, cooled. Let us then both recall our first fervors. Let us profit by the example and the sentiments of this brother, who is little known of the world, but known of GOD, and ex- tremely caressed by Him. I will pray for you; do you pray instantly for me, who am, in our LORD, Yours, etc. FIFTH LETTER I received this day two books and a letter from Sister , who is preparing to make her profession, and upon that account desires the prayers of your holy society, and yours in par- ticular. I perceive that she reckons much upon them; pray do not disappoint her. Beg of GOD Letters 45 that she may make her sacrifice in the view of His love alone, and with a firm resolution to be wholly devoted to Him. I will send you one of these books, which treat of the presence of GOD, a subject which, in my opinion, con- tains the whole spiritual life; and it seems to me that whoever duly practises it will soon be- come spiritual. I know that for the right practice of it the heart must be empty of all other things, be- cause GOD will possess the heart alone; and as He cannot possess it alone without emptying it of all besides, so neither can He act there, and do in it what He pleases, unless it be left vacant to Him. There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual conversation with GOD. Those only can com- prehend it who practise and experience it; yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive. It is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this exercise; but let us do it from a principle of love, and because GOD would have us. Were I a preacher, I should, above all other things, preach the practice of the presence of GOD; and were I a director, I should advise all the world to do it, so necessary do I think it, and so easy, too. 46 Letters Ah! knew we but the want we have of the grace and assistance of GOD, we should never lose sight of Him — no, not for a moment. Be- lieve me; make immediately a holy and firm resolution nevermore wilfully to forget Him, and to spend the rest of your days in His sacred presence, deprived, for the love of Him, if He thinks fit, of all consolations. Set heartily about this work, and if you do it as you ought, be assured that you will soon find the effects of it. I will assist you with my prayers, poor as they are. I recommend myself earnestly to yours and those of your holy so- ciety, being theirs, and more particularly Yours, etc. SIXTH LETTER (To the Same) I have received from Mrs. the things which you gave her for me. I wonder that you have not given me your thoughts of the little book I sent to you, and which you must have received. Pray set heartily about the practice of it in your old age; it is better late than never. I cannot imagine how religious persons can live satisfied without the practice of the pres- ence of GOD. For my part, I keep myself re- Letters 47 tired with Him in the fund or center of my soul as much as I can; and while I am so with Him I fear nothing, but the least turning from Him is insupportable. This exercise does not much fatigue the body; it is, however, proper to deprive it some- times, nay, often, of many little pleasures which are innocent and lawful, for GOD will not per- mit that a soul which desires to be devoted en- tirely to Him should take other pleasures than with Him: that is more than reasonable. I do not say that therefore we must put any violent constraint upon ourselves. No, we must serve GOD in a holy freedom; we must do our business faithfully, without trouble or disquiet, recalling our mind to GOD mildly, and with tranquillity, as often as we find it wandering from Him. It is, however, necessary to put our whole trust in GOD, laying aside all other cares, and even some particular forms of devotion, though very good in themselves, yet such as one often engages in unreasonably, because these devotions are only means to attain to the end. So when by this exercise of the presence of GOD we are with Him who is our end, it is then useless to return to the means; but we may continue with Him our commerce of love, 48 Letters persevering in His holy presence, one while by an act of praise, of adoration, or of desire; one while by an act of resignation or thanksgiving; and in all the ways which our spirit can invent. Be not discouraged by the repugnance which you may find in it from nature; you must do yourself violence. At the first one often thinks it lost time, but you must go on, and resolve to persevere in it to death, notwithstanding all the difficulties that may occur. I recommend myself to the prayers of your holy society, and yours in particular. I am, in our LORD, Yours, etc. SEVENTH LETTER I pity you much. It will be of great impor- tance if you can leave the care of your affairs to , and spend the remainder of your life only in worshiping GOD. He requires no great matters of us: a little remembrance of Him from time to time; a little adoration; some- times to pray for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, and sometimes to return Him thanks for the favors He has given you, and still gives you, in the midst of your troubles, and to console yourself with Him the oftenest you can. Lift up your heart to Letters 49 Him, sometimes even at your meals, and when you are in company; the least little remem- brance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we are aware of. It is not necessary for being with GOD to be always at church. We may make an oratory of our heart wherein to retire from time to time to converse with Him in meekness, humility, and love. Every one is capable of such familiar conversation with GOD, some more, some less. He knows what we can do. Let us begin, then. Perhaps He expects but one generous resolu- tion on our part. Have courage. We have but little time to live; you are near sixty- four, and I am almost eighty. Let us live and die with GOD. Sufferings will be sweet and pleasant to us while we are with Him; and the greatest pleasures will be, without Him, a cruel punish- ment to us. May He be blessed for all. Amen. Accustom yourself, then, by degrees thus to worship Him, to beg His grace, to offer Him your heart from time to time in the midst of your business, even every moment, if you can. Do not always scrupulously confine yourself to certain rules, or particular forms of devo- tion, but act with a general confidence in GOD, with love and humility. You may assure 50 Letters of my poor prayers, and that I am their ser- vant, and particularly Yours in our LORD, etc. EIGHTH LETTER (Concerning Wandering Thoughts in Prayer} You tell me nothing new; you are not the only one that is troubled with wandering thoughts. Our mind is extremely roving; but, as the will is mistress of all our faculties, she must recall them, and carry them to GOD as their last end. When the mind, for want of being suffi- ciently reduced by recollection at our first engaging in devotion, has contracted certain bad habits of wandering and dissipation, they are difficult to overcome, and commonly draw us, even against our wills, to the things of the earth. I believe one remedy for this is to confess our faults and to humble ourselves before GOD. I do not advise you to use multiplicity of words in prayer, many words and long dis- courses being often the occasions of wander- ing. Hold yourself in prayer before GOD like a dumb or paralytic beggar at a rich man's gate. Let it be your business to keep your mind in Letters 5 1 the presence of the LORD. If it sometimes wander and withdraw itself from Him, do not much disquiet yourself for that: trouble and disquiet serve rather to distract the mind than to recollect it; the will must bring it back in tranquillity. If you persevere in this manner, GOD will have pity on you. One way to recollect the mind easily in the time of prayer, and preserve it more in tran- quillity, is not to let it wander too far at other times. You should keep it strictly in the pres- ence of GOD; and being accustomed to think of Him often, you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer, or at least to recall it from its wanderings. I have told you already at large, in my former letters, of the advantages we may draw from this practice of the presence of GOD. Let us set about it seriously, and pray for one an- other. Yours, etc. NINTH LETTER The inclosed is an answer to that which I received from ; pray deliver it to her. She seems to me full of good will, but she would go faster than grace. One does not become holy 5 2 Letters all at once. I recommend her to you; we ought to help one another by our advice, and yet more by our good examples. You will oblige me to let me hear of her from time to time, and whether she be very fervent and very obedient. Let us thus think often that our only busi- ness in this life is to please GOD, and that all be- sides is but folly and vanity. You and I have lived about forty years in religion (i.e., a monastic life) . Have we employed them in lov- ing and serving GOD, who by His mercy has called us to this state, and for that very end? I am filled with shame and confusion when I reflect, on one hand, upon the great favors which GOD has done, and incessantly continues to do me; and on the other, upon the ill use I have made of them, and my small advance- ment in the way of perfection. Since by His mercy He gives us still a little time, let us begin in earnest; let us repair the lost time; let us return with a full assurance to that FATHER of mercies, who is always ready to receive us affectionately. Let us re- nounce, let us generously renounce, for the love of Him, all that is not Himself; He de- serves infinitely more. Let us think of Him per- petually. Let us put all our trust in Him. I doubt not but we shall soon find the effects of Letters 5 3 it in receiving the abundance of His grace, with which we can do all things, and without which we can do nothing but sin. We cannot escape the dangers which abound in life without the actual and continual help of GOD. Let us, then, pray to Him for it con- tinually. How can we pray to Him without being with Him? How can we be with Him but in thinking of Him often? And how can we often think of Him but by a holy habit which we should form of it? You will tell me that I am always saying the same thing. It is true, for this is the best and easiest method I know; and as I use no other, I advise all the world to do it. We must know before we can love. In order to know GOD, we must often think of Him; and when we come to love Him, we shall then also think of Him often, for our heart will be with our treasure. This is an argu- ment which well deserves your consideration. I am, Yours, etc. TENTH LETTER I have had a good deal of difficulty to bring myself to write to Mr. , and I do it now purely because you and Madam desire me. 54 Letters Pray write the directions and send it to him. I am very well pleased with the trust which you have in GOD; I wish that He may increase it in you more and more. We cannot have too much in so good and faithful a Friend, who will never fail us in this world nor in the next. If Mr. makes his advantage of the loss he has had, and puts all his confidence in GOD, He will soon give him another friend, more powerful and more inclined to serve him. He disposes of hearts as He pleases. Perhaps Mr. was too much attached to him he has lost. We ought to love our friends, but without en- croaching upon the love due to GOD, which must be the principal. Pray remember what I have recommended to you, which is, to think often on GOD, by day, by night, in your business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone. You would think it rude to leave a friend alone who came to visit you; why, then, must GOD be neglected? Do not, then, forget Him, but think on Him often, adore Him continually, live and die with Him; this is the glorious employment of a Christian. In a word, this is our profession; if we do not know it, we must learn it. I will en- Letters 5 5 deavor to help you with my prayers, and am, in our LORD, Yours, etc. ELEVENTH LETTER I do not pray that you may be delivered from your pains, but I pray GOD earnestly that He would give you strength and patience to bear them as long as He pleases. Comfort your- self with Him who holds you fastened to the cross. He will loose you when He thinks fit. Happy those who suffer with Him. Accustom yourself to suffer in that manner, and seek from Him the strength to endure as much, and as long, as He shall judge to be necessary for you. The men of the world do not comprehend these truths, nor is it to be wondered at, since they suffer like what they are, and not like Christians. They consider sickness as a pain to nature, and not as a favor from GOD; and see- ing it only in that light, they find nothing in it but grief and distress. But those who con- sider sickness as coming from the hand of GOD, as the effect of His mercy, and the means which He employs for their salvation — such com- monly find in it great sweetness and sensible consolation. 5 6 Letters I wish you could convince yourself that GOD is often (in some sense) nearer to us, and more effectually present with us, in sickness than in health. Rely upon no other physician; for, ac- cording to my apprehension, He reserves your cure to Himself. Put, then, all your trust in Him, and you will soon find the effects of it in your recovery, which we often retard by put- ting greater confidence in physic than in GOD. Whatever remedies you make use of, they will succeed only so far as He permits. When pains come from GOD, He only can cure them. He often sends diseases of the body to cure those of the soul. Comfort yourself with the sover- eign Physician both of the soul and body. Be satisfied with the condition in whch GOD places you; however happy you may think me, I envy you. Pains and sufferings would be a paradise to me while I should suffer with my GOD, and the greatest pleasures would be hell to me if I could relish them without Him. All my consolation would be to suffer something for His sake. I must, in a little time, go to GOD. What comforts me in this life is that I now see Him by faith; and I see Him in such a manner as might make me say sometimes, I believe no more, but I see. I feel what faith teaches us, Letters 57 and in that assurance and that practice of faith I will live and die with Him. Continue, then, always with GOD; it is the only support and comfort for your affliction. I shall beseech Him to be with you. I present my service. Yours, etc. TWELFTH LETTER If we were well accustomed to the exercise of the presence of GOD, all bodily diseases would be much alleviated thereby. GOD often permits that we should suffer a little to purify our souls and oblige us to continue with Him. Take courage; offer Him your pains inces- santly; pray to Him for strength to endure them. Above all, get a habit of entertaining yourself often with GOD, and forget Him the least you can. Adore Him in your infirmities, offer yourself to Him from time to time, and in the height of your sufferings beseech Him humbly and affectionately (as a child his father) to make you conformable to His holy will. I shall endeavor to assist you with my poor prayers. GOD has many ways of drawing us to Him- self. He sometimes hides Himself from us; but 5 8 Letters faith alone, which will not fail us in time of need, ought to be our support, and the founda- tion of our confidence, which must be all in GOD. I know not how GOD will dispose of me. I am always happy. All the world suffer; and I, who deserve the severest discipline, feel joys so con- tinual and so great that I can scarce contain them. I would willingly ask of GOD a part of your sufferings, but that I know my weakness, which is so great that if He left me one moment to myself I should be the most wretched man alive. And yet I know not how He can leave me alone, because faith gives me as strong a conviction as sense can do that He never for- sakes us until we have first forsaken Him. Let us fear to leave Him. Let us be always with Him. Let us live and die in His presence. Do you pray for me as I for you. I am, Yours, etc. THIRTEENTH LETTER (To the Same) I am in pain to see you suffer so long. What gives me some ease and sweetens the feelings I Letters 59 have for your griefs is that they are proofs of GOD'S love toward you. See them in that view and you will bear them more easily. As your case is, it is my opinion that you should leave off human remedies, and resign yourself en- tirely to the providence of GOD. Perhaps He stays only for that resignation and a perfect trust in Him to cure you. Since, notwithstand- ing all your cares, physic has hitherto proved unsuccessful, and your malady still increases, it will not be tempting GOD to abandon your- self in His hands and expect all from Him. I told you in my last that He sometimes per- mits bodily diseases to cure the distempers of the soul. Have courage, then; make a virtue of necessity. Ask of GOD, not deliverance from your pains, but strength to bear resolutely, for the love of Him, all that He should please, and as long as He shall please. Such prayers, indeed, are a little hard to nature, but most acceptable to GOD, and sweet to those that love Him. Love sweetens pains; and when one loves GOD, one suffers for His sake with joy and courage. Do you so, I beseech you; comfort yourself with Him, who is the only Physician of all our maladies. He is the FATHER of the afflicted, always ready to help us. He loves us infinitely, more than we im- 60 Letters agine. Love Him, then, and seek no consolation elsewhere. I hope you will soon receive it. Adieu. I will help you with my prayers, poor as they are, and shall always be, in our LORD, Yours, etc. FOURTEENTH LETTER (To the Same) I render thanks to our LORD for having re- lieved you a little, according to your desire. I have been often near expiring, but I never was so much satisfied as then. Accordingly, I did not pray for any relief, but I prayed for strength to suffer with courage, humility, and love. Ah, how sweet it is to suffer with GOD! However great the sufferings may be, receive them with love. It is paradise to suffer and be with Him; so that if in this life we would en- joy the peace of paradise we must accustom ourselves to a familiar, humble, affectionate conversation with Him. We must hinder our spirits' wandering from Him upon any oc- casion. We must make our heart a spiritual temple, wherein to adore Him incessantly. We must watch continually over ourselves, that we may not do nor say nor think anything that may displease Him. When our minds are Letters 61 thus employed about GOD, suffering will be- come full of unction and consolation. I know that to arrive at this state the begin- ning is very difficult, for we must act purely in faith. But though it is difficult, we know also that we can do all things with the grace of GOD, which He never refuses to them who ask it earnestly. Knock, persevere in knock- ing, and I answer for it that He will open to you in His due time, and grant you all at once what He has deferred during many years. Adieu. Pray to Him for me as I pray to Him for you. I hope to see Him quickly. I am, Yours, etc. FIFTEENTH LETTER (To the Same) GOD knoweth best what is needful for us, and all that He does is for our good. If we knew how much He loves us, we should always be ready to receive equally and with indiffer- ence from His hand the sweet and the bitter. All would please that came from Him. The sorest afflictions never appear intolerable, ex- cept when we see them in the wrong light. 62 Letters When we see them as dispensed by the hand of GOD, when we know that it is our loving FATHER who abases and distresses us, our suffer- ings will lose their bitterness and become even matter of consolation. Let all our employment be to know GOD; the more one knows Him, the more one desires to know Him. And as knowledge is commonly the measure of love, the deeper and more ex- tensive our knowledge shall be, the greater will be our love; and if our love of GOD were great, we should love Him equally in pains and plea- sures. Let us not content ourselves with loving GOD for the mere sensible favors, how elevated so- ever, which He has done or may do us. Such favors, though never so great, cannot bring us so near to Him as faith does in one simple act. Let us seek Him often by faith. He is within us; seek Him not elsewhere. If we do love Him alone, are we not rude, and do we not deserve blame, if we busy ourselves about trifles which do not please and perhaps offend Him? It is to be feared these trifles will one day cost us dear. Let us begin to be devoted to Him in good earnest. Let us cast everything besides out of our hearts. He would possess them alone. Beg this favor of Him. If we do what we can on Letters 63 our parts, we shall soon see that change wrought in us which we aspire after. I cannot thank Him sufficiently for the relaxation He has vouchsafed you. I hope from His mercy the favor to see Him within a few days.* Let us pray for one another. I am, in our LORD, Yours, etc. * He took to his bed two days after, and died within the week. University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. A 000695132 1 Social Sciences & Humanities Library University of California, San Diego Please Note: This item is subject to recall. Date Due UhU 081! 99 Cl 39 (5/97) UCSD Lib. Univers: South Libr,