d sensible
consolation.

I wish you could convince yourself that GOD is often (in some sense)
nearer to us, and more effectually present with us, in sickness than
in health. Rely upon no other Physician; for, according to my
apprehension, He reserves your cure to Himself. Put, then, all your
trust in Him, and you will soon find the effects of it in your
recovery, which we often retard by putting greater confidence in
physic than in GOD.

Whatever remedies you make use of, they will succeed only so far as He
permits. When pains come from GOD, He only can cure them. He often
sends diseases of the body to cure those of the soul. Comfort yourself
with the sovereign Physician both of the soul and body.

Be satisfied with the condition in which GOD places you: however happy
you may think me, I envy you. Pains and sufferings would be a paradise
to me while I should suffer with my GOD; and the greatest pleasures
would be hell to me if I could relish them without Him. All my
consolation would be to suffer something for His sake.

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 kno