Letter 1583. To Mother Marie Aimée de Rabutin

Annecy, 5 September, 1638. Vive > Jésus!

My very dear Daughter,—May the divine Saviour be the life and the love of your heart! You cannot help being taken by surprise, and so I excuse your feelings about my journey to Piedmont; but I conjure you, my daughter, let not your peace of soul be disturbed, nor your confidence in God. If His goodness wills us to make it, as seems probable, He will draw His glory out of it and bring me back.

Oh, but how I wish that above all views and feelings we may be always lovingly, humbly and cheerfully submissive to whatever His goodness wills to do with us now and in the future.

As to your inward occupation with God, it could not be better. But I see you are always somewhat worrying yourself, wanting to do things that God does not want of you. When your mind is at rest near Him, ought not that to satisfy you? Does not this divine Infinity contain in itself all the sacred mysteries of Jesus and Mary? Have no desire then to seek or to know anything that God does not wish to make known to you. Take my advice, I beg of you, and keep your mind as expansive and joyous as you possibly can. Do not take to heart so much the faults and deficiencies of your daughters. God has not commissioned you to make them perfect, but only to teach them their duty and the way to perfection. If they believe you they will be happy; if not you can’t help it. The planting and watering belongs to you, but it is God to give the increase. Draw from each all that she is capable of giving; point out to them their duty according to their capacity. Do not let them stagnate in their defects, but reprove with strength and gentleness, for one must so do, especially with those who need to acquire submission and holy religious modesty.

If during your three years [of government] you do not receive all the fruit you look for, I feel assured that God will nevertheless [eventually] make you gather it and that you will see a great change in those souls. We should have patience: Paris was not built ina day. Step by step must we advance, and be satisfied that each one does her little best, not distressing ourselves because some yield no return. Now lay to heart what I say, and once for all give up worrying about anything. Do gently what is in your power by means of prayer, remonstrances, corrections and penances, and leave the rest to God, for He is more interested in these souls than you are. Good-bye, my most true and dear daughter. Be not anxious about our journey to Turin; we shall get over it happily, please God. About the 15th of this month we start. Pray much for us that God may watch over us. Yours, etc.