To the same correspondent probably, and expresses his own abiding
comfort through faith.
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
endeavour 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, till 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.
THIRTEENTH LETTER
To the same he exhorts for fuller and entire confidence in God, for body
and soul.
I AM in pain to see you suffer so long; what gives me some ease, and
sweetens the feeling I have of 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, "tis 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.
I told you, in my last, that He sometimes permits 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 imagine:
love Him then, and seek not consolation elsewhere: I hope you will soon
receive it. Adieu. I will help you with my prayers, poor as they are,
and shall be, always, yours in our LORD.
FOURTEENTH LETTER
Gratitude, for mercies to his correspondent, and measure of relief while
he has himself been near death, but with consolation in his suffering.
I RENDER thanks to our LORD, for having relieved you a little, according
to your desire. I have been often near expiring, though I was never 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 is it to suffer with GOD! however great the sufferings may
be, receive them with love. "Tis paradise to suffer and be with Him;