You are not forgotten, my dear E. God has engraven you on my heart.
If you have not consented to the thoughts that have crossed your mind,
do not be afflicted on account of them. The examination and dwelling
upon these thoughts, brings them again to life. Be on your guard
against everything that entangles you in self. God is a Father who
bears with the innocent faults of his children, and wipes away the
stains they have contracted. The greatest wrong you can do to God is
to doubt his love. He regards the simplicity and purity of the
intention. It is right to cherish great self-distrust, to realise your
weakness and helplessness; but do not stop here. Confide as much more
in God, as you hope less from yourself.
Do not afflict yourself, because you do not at all times realise a
_sensible_ confidence in God, and other consoling, happy states. Walk
by faith, and not by sight, or positive perception of the good you
crave. Let us, my dear E., be closely united, and walk together; not
according to the way we might choose, but according to the way God
chooses for us.