You must withdraw into yourself a little and keep quiet before the face of God, then look gently and perfectly frankly at God who is so near to us, to let Him see if there is anything in us or near us which must be handed over, and assure Him of our hearty consent to give up everything to Him. Remain exposed to Him in the light of truth simply, in this way, without any investigations or scruples of your own, for as long as God gives grace. Since then, I am neither willing nor able to row against the wind, I let my little ship go in it. If only I take care not to stick fast on some sandbank of selfishness, let come what may, even if I suffer shipwreck, it will only be in the ocean of God, whose depths are as good as the best harbor. I do not as yet desire the death of the body, but that death I do desire where I can neither find nor see myself anymore.
Gerhard Tersteegen
