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.

We have a God who is endlessly gracious and knows everything we need. I always thought he would bring you to a point of extreme hardship. He will come in his own time, when you least expect him. Put your hope in him more than ever. Join me in thanking him for the kindness he shows you, especially for the strength and patience he gives you in your suffering. These are clear signs of his care for you. So find comfort in him, and give thanks for everything.

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.

I also admire Mr. —— for his strength and bravery. God has given him a good nature and a good will. But he is still somewhat attached to the world and has much of youth in him. I hope the hardship God has sent him will be a helpful remedy and lead him to examine himself. This experience should encourage him to put all his trust in him who is with him everywhere. Let him think of God as often as he can, especially in the greatest dangers. A brief lifting of the heart is enough. A brief remembrance of God or an act of inward worship is a prayer. Even on a march, with a sword in hand, such prayers are very acceptable to God, however short. Far from weakening a soldier’s courage in times of danger, they do the most to strengthen 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.

Let him think of God as much as he can. Let him gradually make a habit of this small but holy practice. No one will notice it, and nothing is easier than repeating these little prayers of adoration silently throughout the day. Please recommend that he think of God as much as he can, in the way described here. This practice is very fitting and most necessary for a soldier, whose life is in danger every day. I hope God will help him and all the family. I offer them my service and remain theirs and yours, etc.