Letter 83. To the same
Vive >K Jésus!
My very dear Daughter,—I have just received your letter.
First of all, in regard to the dislike you feel to receive the relief offered you—you ought absolutely to overcome yourself in this, and with a sweet condescension make use of the remedies they wish you to have. In this way you will edify more than by making a fuss and perversely doing your own will. You should simply, ingenuously, and truthfully mention your infirmities, and then be obedient. Show the others how to do the same in regard to their bodily ailments: otherwise you will teach them to be selfwilled under the cloak of courage. Do you not see the truth of this, my dearest daughter?
God knows I am consoled that our petite cadette1 is doing so well. My Sister Péronne Marie? also carries out her charge with admirable care and usefulness. Acts of virtue are good preachers; besides, whatever she has to say she says well. But she cannot overcome this idea she has of her incapacity, which will in time change into confidence.
If the war does not prevent it, we shall have a dozen novices this year. Oh! how I long for valiant souls, and souls which are capable of being trained to govern: for do you not see how Our Lord spreads this little Congregation? What an honour and what a happiness it is to be sacrificed and consecrated to the service of the glory of this divine Saviour and His dear spouses!
My daughter, above all else have humility and sweet charity amongst the sisters, with exact observance of the Rules.
Our affair is progressing at Rome. God will, I hope, through His divine mercy make it happily succeed, since it appears so manifestly for His glory. We are always expecting news of Oh! how I desire that it may breathe the spirit of God! I should be very much distressed if the two packets I sent you for them did not reach them safely. I am also longing to know this good prelate’s opinion of our Rules, and if he knows anything of the Bishop of Bourges and of my son. Ask him from me, and salute him with all reverence, assuring him of the singular esteem in which I hold him.
The little Austrain has passions that every day grow more incorrigible. It is frightful to hear the things this child says. My daughter de Thorens is amazed at them. She says she cannot live here, that nobody talks about anything except God, and she is so weary of it that it is driving her to despair. I beat her to-day myself, and I am going to take over the charge of her. We must do the best we can with her as long as they leave her here, but we very much wish that they could send for her soon. Yet we must not urge this, for good M. Austrain is so kind that it is a real grief to us not to be able to serve him in this matter.
Tend with the same injunction with which I began. For the love of God, daughter dearest, in regard to your infirmities be gentle and condescending to the desires of your sisters; for otherwise you will be a trouble to them. Have no wishes on this subject save what they wish, for health and strength are necessary to you for the service of God.
I do not know what to say about the watch; give back the old one if you can. Our alarm goes now, but so irregularly that we would willingly change it again, provided we could get in exchange a watch that was guaranteed to keep good time.
Adieu and good evening, my dearest daughter. I remain as ever your very humble and unworthy sister and servant in Our Lord,
J. F. Frémyot, of the Visitation. Blessed be God. A thousand salutations to anyone you please.
LETTER 84 192
Footnotes
Chapter 8 of 252