The Practice of the Presence of God the Best Rule of a Holy Life | Page 8

in a thousand
and a thousand ways, and treats me in all respects as His favorite. It is

thus I consider myself from time to time in His holy presence.
My most useful method is this simple attention, and such a general
passionate regard to GOD; to whom I find myself often attached with
greater sweetness and delight than that of an infant at the mother's
breast; so that, if I dare use the expression, I should choose to call this
state the bosom, of GOD, for the inexpressible sweetness which I taste
and experience there.
If sometimes my thoughts wander from it by necessity or infirmity, I
am presently recalled by inward motions so charming and delicious that
I am ashamed to mention them. I desire your reverence to reflect rather
upon my great wretchedness, of which you are fully informed, than
upon the great favors which GOD does me, all unworthy and ungrateful
as I am.
As for my set hours of prayer, they are only a continuation of the same
exercise. Sometimes I consider myself there as a stone before a carver,
whereof he is to make a statue; presenting myself thus before GOD, I
desire Him to form His perfect image in my soul, and make me entirely
like Himself.
At other times, when I apply myself to prayer, I feel all my spirit and
all my soul lift itself up without any care or effort of mine, and it
continues as it were suspended and firmly fixed in GOD, as in its centre
and place of rest.
I know that some charge this state with inactivity, delusion and
self-love. I confess that it is a holy inactivity, and would be a happy
self-love, if the soul in that state were capable of it; because, in effect,
while she is in this repose, she cannot be disturbed by such acts as she
was formerly accustomed to, and which were then her support, but
which would now rather hinder than assist her.
Yet I cannot bear that this should be called delusion; because the soul
which thus enjoys GOD desires herein nothing but Him. If this be
delusion in me, it belongs to GOD to remedy it. Let Him do what He
pleases with me; I desire only Him, and to be wholly devoted to Him.
You will, however, oblige me in sending me your opinion, to which I
always pay a great deference, for I have a singular esteem for your
reverence, and am in our LORD,
Yours, &c.

THIRD LETTER.
We have a GOD who is infinitely gracious and knows all our wants. I
always thought that He would reduce you to extremity. He will come in
His own time, and when you least expect it. Hope in Him more than
ever; thank Him with me for the favors he does you, particularly for the
fortitude and patience which He gives you in your afflictions. It is a
plain mark of the care He takes of you. Comfort yourself, then, with
Him, and give thanks for all.
I admire also the fortitude and bravery of Mr. ----. God has given him a
good disposition and a good will; but there is in him still a little of the
world, and a great deal of youth. I hope the affliction which GOD has
sent him will prove a wholesome remedy to him, and make him enter
into himself. It is an accident which should engage him to put all his
trust in Him who accompanies him everywhere. Let him think of Him
as often as he can, especially in the greatest dangers. A little lifting up
of the heart suffices. A little remembrance of GOD, one act of inward
worship, though upon a march, and a sword in hand, are prayers, which,
however short, are nevertheless very acceptable to GOD; and far from
lessening a soldier's courage in occasions of danger, they best serve to
fortify it.
Let him then think of GOD the most he can. Let him accustom himself,
by degrees, to this small but holy exercise. No one will notice it, and
nothing is easier than to repeat often in the day these little internal
adorations. Recommend to him, if you please, that he think of GOD the
most he can, in the manner here directed. It is very fit and most
necessary for a soldier, who is daily exposed to the dangers of life. I
hope that GOD will assist him and all the family, to whom I present my
service, being theirs and Yours, &c.

FOURTH LETTER.
I have taken this opportunity to communicate to you the sentiments of
one of our society, concerning the admirable effects and continual
assistances which he receives from the presence of GOD. Let you and
me