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, 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, &c.

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 incessantly:  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 Himself.  He sometimes hides Himself from us, but faith alone, which will not fail us in time of need, ought to be our support, and the foundation 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 continual 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 forsakes 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, &c.

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 have for your griefs is, that they are proofs of GOD’S love towards 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 entirely to the providence of GOD:  perhaps He stays only for that resignation and a perfect trust in Him to cure you.  Since, notwithstanding all your cares, physic has hitherto proved unsuccessful, and your malady still increases, it will not be tempting GOD to abandon yourself in His hands, and expect all from Him.