Page:Faoistin naoṁ-Ṗadraig (1906).djvu/98

 82 compute that I distributed to them not less than the price of fifteen persons. so that you may enjoy me and I enjoy you ever in God. I am not sorry for it, nor do I consider it sufficient. I still spend and will spend more. The Lord is mighty to grant me afterwards to spend myself for your souls.

54. Behold I call God as a witness against my soul that I lie not, nor would I write to you in order that there may be occasion for flattery or gain, nor because I hope for honour from any of you. For suffcient for me is the honour which is not yet seen but is believed in with the heart. And faithful is He that hath promised; never does He lie.

55. But I see that already in this world I am exalted beyond measure by the Lord; and I was not worthy nor such an one that He should bestow this on me, as I know most certainly that poverty and affliction become me better than riches and delights. And Christ the Lord was also poor for our sakes. I am indeed miserable and unhappy; though I might desire wealth I have none now, nor do I judge myself, for I am daily looking forward either to be slain or circumvented, or to be reduced to slavery, or to be treated in some such fashion. But I dread none of these things because of the promises of heaven, since I have cast myself into the hands of God Almightyfor He ruleth every-where, as the prophet saith: Cast thy care upon God and He will sustain thee.

56. Behold, now, I commend my soul to my most faithful God, for whom I am an ambassador in my lowly state only because He accepteth not persons and chose me for this office that I might be one of His least ministers.

57. Whence, then, shall I render to Him for all that He has given to me. But what shall I say or what shall I promise to my Lord, for I avail nought except what