L E T T E R S

111Letter Nr. 27Paris, June 7, 1837Dearest Stephen,How I hope that this letter reaches you! I have had no news from youfor three years now. I received your last letter in May of 1834. Most recentlyI wrote to you in care of Mr. Radomiński, but I have had no reply! I beg you, Iplead with you, send me some word about yourself without delay. Where areyou? How are things going for you?As for me, I would first like to assure you most solemnly that mybrotherly love for you is very much alive. It is one of the most tenderaffections binding me to this life. Next, I would like to remind you of some ofthe thoughts, ideas and principles I once encouraged you to share as being thetruth, but which now, after long experience and more careful reflection, I amfirmly convinced are both false and disastrous. I would like to say a few wordsabout the philosophical and religious ideas we once shared.For a human person this is a matter of great, the greatest, importance;and so I pray that you will understand my intention. It is my hope that, inresponse to my prayer and the prayers of our dear mother, but especially inresponse to the grace of God, you will follow in my footsteps and return to theway of truth and eternal life. Do not be surprised by what I have to say. Weonce ridiculed what we did not understand. The truth is to be found in God, inChrist, in the Catholic Church.Third, if I am enjoying some success today, I feel it is only because Istand on good and firm ground. My health now is fairly good, but back in1834 I was dangerously, and almost fatally, ill with a lung ailment. Today I amwell. However, I continue to be troubled and disturbed by past debts thatamount to a considerable sum of money - several thousand. Yet no one on thisearth is without a cross to bear.