FIFTH LETTER.


I received this day two books and a letter from Sister ----, who is
preparing to make her profession, and upon that account desires the
prayers of your holy society, and yours in particular. I perceive that
she reckons much upon them; pray do not disappoint her. Beg of GOD
that she may make her sacrifice in the view of His love alone, and
with a firm resolution to be wholly devoted to Him. I will send you
one of these books which treat of _the presence of_ GOD; a subject
which, in my opinion, contains the whole spiritual life; and it seems
to me that whoever duly practices it will soon become spiritual.

I know that for the right practice of it, the heart must be empty of
all other things; because GOD will possess the heart _alone_; and as
He cannot possess it _alone_ without emptying it of all besides, so
neither can He act _there_, and do in it what He pleases, unless it be
left vacant to Him.

There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful
than that of a continual conversation with GOD. Those only can
comprehend it who practice and experience it; yet I do not advise you
to do it from that motive. It is not pleasure which we ought to seek
in this exercise; but let us do it from a principle of love, and
because GOD would have us.

Were I a preacher, I should, above all other things, preach the
practice of _the presence of_ GOD; and, were I a director, I should
advise all the world to do it, so necessary do I think it, and so easy
too.