y
letter, that, under God, they are indebted to me for life. Still
another comfort I enjoy, is that of being able to write with my own
hand; for, I write enough to be of service to others, both on
architecture, and agriculture. I, likewise, enjoy another
satisfaction, which is that of conversing with men of bright parts
and superior understanding, from whom, even at this advanced period
of life, I learn something. What a comfort is this, that, old as I
am, I should be able, without the least fatigue, to study the most
important, sublime, and difficult subjects!

I must farther add, though it may appear impossible to some, and may
be so in some measure, that at this age I enjoy, at once, two lives;
one terrestrial, which I possess in fact; the other celestial, which
I possess in thought; and this thought is equal to actual enjoyment,
when founded upon things we are sure to attain, as I ams sure to
attain that celestial life, through the infinite goodness and mercy
of God. Thus, I enjoy this terrestrial life, in consequence of my
sobriety and temperance, virtues so agreeable to the Deity; and I
enjoy, by the grace of the same Divine Majesty, the celestial, which
he makes me anticipate in thought; a thought so lovely, as to fix me
entirely on this object, the enjoyment of which I hold and affirm to
be of the utmost certainty. And I hold that dying, in the manner I
expect, is not really death, but a passage of the soul from this
earthly life to a celestial, immortal, and infinitely perfect
existence. Neither can it be otherwise: and this thought is so
superlatively sublime, that it can no longer stoop to low and worldly
objects, such as the death of this body, being intirely taken up with
the happiness of living a celestial and divine life; whence it is,
that I enjoy two lives. Nor can the terminating of so high a
gratification, which I enjoy in this life, give me any concern; it
rather affords me infinite pleasure, as it will be only to make room
for another, glorious and immortal life.

Now, it is possible, that any one should grow tired of so great a
comfort and blessing, as this which I really enjoy; and which every
on else might enjoy by leading the life I have led? an example which
every one has it in his power to follow; for I am but a mere man,
and no saint; a servant of God, to whom so regular a life is
extremely agreeable.

And, whereas many embrace a spiritual and contemplative life, which
is holy and