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land and sea, night and day; enchained of ten leopards, which are the soldiers ranked around me; who by kindness are made harsher. But I take a lesson from their misdeeds; yet not herein am I made perfect. I long for the wild beasts that are prepared for me. And I pray that they may be found ready; yea, I will encourage them quickly to devour me, and not to spare me with the timidity which they have shewn to others. If they do it not of their own will, I will put a force upon them. I claim of you to bear with me. I have discovered my true interest; I am just becoming a disciple. All things, whether seen or unseen, are tasteless to me, so that I go to Christ. Fire and Cross, the assault of beasts, the rending of my bones, the laceration of my limbs, the crushing of my whole frame, dire tortures of Satan, let them come upon me, so that I but go to Christ!
VI. In the enjoyments and the ambition of this present world, my hopes repose not; I had rather die in Jesus Christ, than reign unto the ends of the earth. For what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? I am seeking Him, who died for us; I am longing for Him, who rose for our sake. This is the gain which I have before me. Have pity on me, my Brethren. Do not prevent me from living. Do not wish for me to die, when I desire to live with God. Enter not into the sympathies of this world. Permit me my portion in the spotless light. For when I arrive thither, I shall belong to God. Suffer me to imitate the sufferings of my God. If any man hath Him in himself, let him perceive what are my wishes, and sympathize with me, knowing what it is "that constraineth me."
VII. The Prince of this world desireth to tear me away, and to corrupt the purpose that I have to God-ward. Let none of you, who are at my side, give him your help; adhere rather to my cause; it is the cause of God. Talk ye not of Jesus Christ, while your affections are set on the world. Let no hatred dwell within you. If, when I come among you, I claim of you to interfere for my preservation, yet listen not to me. Keep faith rather with the terms, in which I now write to you. I live, but while I am writing to you, I long to die. My affections are crucified. I have in me neither their flame, nor its fuel; but there is the living water, that speaketh in me, and saith from within, "Come hither unto the Father." I have no taste for corruptible food, or for the
