Letters445 Letter CDXLV. To a person unknown.

He writes that he has recovered from a severe attack of illness, having escaped from the very gates of death.

Health and every good thing he could wish.

I have long known your anxiety for me, which you have expressed so kindly in your letter, and I am grateful for it. Nor was I purposely neglectful to let you know in what state I was: but up to the present opportunity has been wanting by which, when I began to be better in body, by the mercy of God, I could relieve your anxiety ot mind. But now be of good cheer; for the Lord hath chastened and corrected me, but He hath not given me over unto death. On the First Sunday in Advent I first approached to the Altar in my own person and attained to the reception of the Holy Communion, without the assistance of another (priest): I have myself written this letter: by which two signs you may understand, how greatly, by God’s goodness, I am strengthened both in body and mind. I would gladly see you, if it could be managed conveniently and without hindrance to your work.

Letter CDXLVI.