God has been very merciful to me in sparing me my mind; for there were times when I believe I was quite mad.

I could pray sometimes, but not always.

I have spent whole days in prayer, almost as if I fancied that I could weary out my God with supplications." "And Stephen; did you see him ?" "Yes, now and then--once in several days, in a week perhaps.

He used to come, like the master of a madhouse visiting his patients, to see that I was comfortable, he said.

At first I used to appeal to him to set me free--kneeling at his feet, promising any sacrifice of my fortune for him or for my father, if they would release me.