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 desire 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, &c.

THIRD LETTER.

We have a GOD who is infinitely gracious and knows all 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, particularly 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.  Recommend to him, if you please, that he think of GOD the most he can, in the manner here directed.  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, &c.

FOURTH LETTER.

I have taken this opportunity to communicate to you the sentiments of one of our society, 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 because he deserves infinitely more.