Brut , Simon Gabriel Emmitsburg, Maryland to (William Gaston) (Emmitsburg, Maryland), 1820? August 23

It was a great disappointment but more severe for those who are the occasion of it. They had already been interrupted this evening during which they meant to talk. They had to compensate tomorrow, as (Gaston) promised to come early in the morning. Mr. Beverly, of Alexandria's daughter just came requesting him to go and see her father tomorrow. Her father was hurt in a fall from his carriage and lies in a tavern six miles away, where she and her mother will meet him and bring the author of the letter along. They were waiting in Clarksburg to take their father home. (Brut ) will try to be back soon for a new chance to be "together" and treat a few of so many subjects "together." A few, unless daily they could renew the talk; what should they think and say of this and that? The talk is only begun here when the summons are (sic) given: come, soul, enter. The joy and knowledge of eternity, (Brut enlarges on this notion of eternity). It is inexpressible and we come to it so soon. He does not understand why our body is to be eternal. He strives in astronomical and scriptural language to describe eternity and the greatness of God. He is more to God than the whole universe. He asks if it is of himself, Gaston, that God said, "I loved thee...before the world was made." Christ was crucified and instituted the Eucharist for him. He quotes St. Paul and comments to the effect that we must suffer with Christ by denying our bad nature and be "Jesufied, a word of the dictionary of dear Mother Elizabeth Seton." He contrasts the virtues with vices and the world's goods. Time is not to waste but to secure eternity. He believes in the Communion of Saints. The most astonishing mystery is that men can disobey: God commands, man refuses. When man was in honor he did not realize it. thus would be their talk if they met, but practice would remain the (starting) point for both.