The Simplicity of Faith
February 16

Your letter stirs me up to realize more and more of my privileges, and to enter more deeply into the spiritual life. I am so glad you are making spiritual progress and that the simplicity of the life of faith is opening out before you. Sometimes it seems to me that it is all so simple that there is nothing to be said about it, but that it is just to be lived, and that is it. Isn’t it really wonderful that such a life is possible? That we all can enjoy rest and peace and child-like freedom from care with no responsibilities, no anxieties, no fears, no regrets—nothing to do but to trust and to obey! Let’s pray for each other and stir each other up more and more to enter into this experience.
That is a great thought, “Even Christ pleased not Himself.” How often I have read it, and yet it seems to me that I never saw it before! It has gotten hold of my heart, and I hope it will be blessed to me. But oh how deep it will probe, if I allow it to have its full effect!
I wish you would often write and tell me your thoughts about things. I have enjoyed so deeply some things you have sent me. That about darling Nellie, and giving her up as an Alabaster Box, has fed my soul and several thoughts, that I have not time to speak of. And after all, among all my religious friends, I have so little real communion. I must thank you again for the text “Even Christ pleased not Himself.” How often I have read it, and yet it seems to me that I never saw it before!
—To Mary, June/July 1867