St. Paul, Sep 21.st 1886.
I cannotAs Written:can not tell you how much courage your letterEditorial Note: This letter is not extant. gave me, and I thank you for it; every time I read it I feel energized to "press on" as it bids me. The prospects before me (in belief) seems almost an impossible task yet I know "His grace is sufficient."II Cor 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. II Cor 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. II Cor 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) II Cor 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. II Cor 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. II Cor 12:6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. II Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. II Cor 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. II Cor 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. I feel the need of more understanding and must have it and I know that I shall gain that most precious gift only, through faithfulness and perseverance with what I have; so in the words of that wonderful apostle Paul "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after"Phil 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. — I know that this "following after" the little gleam of light which goes before that at last it will lead out into the broad sunshine As Written: sun-shine of the ever presence of Good. I have had some sharp contests with the enemy, first one attack after another, and I have to watchMark 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. every minute. I miss our little band at home especially the little meetings where we gained so much strength. They are all at work with vigor on the question of so much importance to our CauseEditorial Note: The cause of Christian Science so cheer up darling we shall gain the victory for Truth "is mighty to save"Zeph 3:17 The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. . The patience and lovingkindness As Written: loving-kindness you have manifested in presenting the Truth to this age must and is bearing fruit, "I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass" — "There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord God"Ezek 12:25 For I am the Lord: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord God. . Now dear Teacher rest in that loving promise for we know and are sure that He has spoken through His blessed Idea. I enclose an order for the amt. due on books. I think the steel engraving is very fine The expression of the face is lovely. Will close with much love.