Twelfth Letter

If we were well accustomed to the exercise of the presence of God all bodily diseases would be much alleviated. God often permits that we 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, gain 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 seems to hide Himself from us. But faith alone ought to be our support. Faith is the foundation of our confidence which must be all in God who will not fail us in time of need. I know not how God will dispose of me. I am always happy. All the world suffers 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. 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. 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 pray for me, as I pray for you.