the eyes of the world. The Tabernacle
was covered with the skins of the beasts, while the Temple of Herod was
ornamented with gold. Let us not afflict ourselves on account of our
littleness and infirmities, since God so orders it, but become as
little children. When a little child falls, it cannot raise itself,
but lets another do for it all that it needs.

It does not depend on ourselves to make the presence of God more or
less sensible. Let the desire for a lively sense of this presence, be
crucified to the will of God. Take what is given you. Be as the
little child, who eats and sleeps and grows. God gives you the best
nourishment, although not always the sweetest to the taste. Adieu! my
heart sympathises with you.

ADVANCEMENT.

During the process of the soul's purification and advancement, it loses
sight not only of itself, but of all things else; except God; and even
of the distinct apprehension of our Lord, in his humanity. That is,
there are no longer distinct, bounded views and perceptions of Christ,
the soul becoming identical with Christ. This is necessary in order to
draw the soul into oneness with God. Let all go in the divine order.
When the soul has returned to its end and origin, and is lost in God,
it finds all it lost, without going out from God.

When the soul is yet in itself, it draws all things to itself, and sees
God and all creatures in itself. But when the soul is in oneness with
God, it carries all creatures with it in God, and sees nothing separate
from God. Seeing all in God, it sees all things in the true light, as
with the eye of God. This is what David calls, "Seeing light in thy
light."

May God give you understanding of what I say, and docility and
acquiescence in the truths, which he causes to penetrate your soul. I
make no reserves, but express freely all my thoughts. The least
reserve for self, is as a strong breath against a mirror, it obstructs
the view of God. My soul, it seems to me, is clear and transparent,
reflecting only what the Master presents; and the execution of his will
renders the soul always increasingly pure and transparent. May God be
all in all to you.

GREATNESS OF SPIRITUAL POVERTY.

Do not measure yourself by others, who may not be led as you are. God
chooses to enrich some souls with brilliant gifts, but he has chosen
you, stripped of all, in the depths of spiritual poverty. This is the
perfect self-renouncement, withou