s, and many
fluctuating states. But in proportion as our will passes into the will
of God, the desires which are the offspring of the will, are
subjugated, and the soul is reduced to unity in God.

As the soul advances in the life of God, its natural or selfish
movements decrease; and it depends less on mere emotional exercises,
and there is really less _variation_ of the emotions.

Rest assured, it is the same God who causes the scarcity and the
abundance, the rain and the fair weather. The high and low states, the
peaceful and the state of warfare, are each good in their season.
These vicissitudes form and mature the interior, as the different
seasons compose the year. Each change in your inward experience, or
external condition, is a new test, by which to try your faith and love;
and will be a help towards perfecting your soul, if you receive it with
love and submission.

Leave yourself therefore in the hands of Love. Love is always the
same, although it causes you often to change your position. He who
prefers one state to another, who loves abundance more than scarcity,
when God orders otherwise, loves the gifts of God more than God himself.

God loves you; let this thought equalise all states. Let him do with
us as with the waves of the sea, and whether he takes us to his bosom,
or casts us upon the sand, that is, leaves us to our own barrenness,
all is well.

For myself, I am pleased with all the Lord orders for me. I hold
myself ready to suffer, not only imprisonment but death; perils
everywhere--perils on the land--perils on the sea--among false
brethren; all is good in Him, to whom I am united forever.

PATIENCE WITH THE FAULTS OF OTHERS.

I love you very much, my dear M. If my love could be of any avail, it
would console you, for I feel a greater tenderness and sympathy for
you, than I am able to express. I am more certain than ever, that God
designs you for himself. Live exteriorly with N., as being entirely
reconciled. Make not too much account of his coldness, his passionate
temper, his contempt. It is not by these you are to regulate your
conduct, but by a motive more elevated--God and his glory. Let your
heart endure his bitterness, for the love of Him, who preferred grief
to pleasure. At the same time, do no violence to your own sacred
feelings, to accommodate yourself to him, in order to give him a
pleasure he cannot appreciate. Regard your present condition, as a
means God