Although I know well, Margaret, that because of my past wickedness I deserve to be abandoned by God, I cannot but trust in his merciful goodness. His grace has strengthened me until now and made me content to lose goods, land, and life as well, rather than swear against my conscience. I will not mistrust him, Meg, though I shall feel myself weakening and on the verge of being overcome with fear. . . . And finally, Margaret, I know well that without my fault he will not let me be lost. I shall, therefore, with good hope commit myself wholly to him. . . . And, therefore, my own good daughter, do not let your mind be troubled over anything that shall happen to me in this world. Nothing can come but what God wills. And I am very sure that whatever that be, however bad it may seem, it shall indeed be best.
St. Thomas More (from a letter to his daughter while on death row)
