7.

The love of death.

"In the seventh place, try, by the frequent thought of death," the Rhetor said, "to bring yourself to regard it not as a dreaded foe, but as a friend that frees the soul grown weary in the labors of virtue from this distressful life, and leads it to its place of recompense and peace.

" "Yes, that must be so," thought Pierre, when after these words the Rhetor went away, leaving him to solitary meditation.

" It must be so, but I am still so weak that I love my life, the meaning of which is only now gradually opening before me.