Letter 1755. To a Superior of the Visitation

I bless God for the good resolutions that you tell me our sisters have made during their retreats, and I beseech His goodness to grant them the grace to put them in practice. Exercise them thoroughly, I beg of you, in the mortification of their passions, particularly those whom you perceive to be suitable for government. Lead them on to a complete casting aside of all self-interest and a cutting short of all introspection, for, I assure you, it is from such inclinations that proceed, for the most part, the faults of those who govern. This is why they must absolutely turn their backs on self and walk in truth and rectitude before God if their government is to be a success, and, above all, if they are to merit His assistance, without which all their trouble and all their labour is worthless and fruitless. It is a blessed thing for a Superior to show forbearance towards her neighbour. She should support with equanimity all shortcomings, aS common in ourselves as in others, and keep her feelings under control, so as never, as far as is possible, to fail exteriorly in gentleness, humility, and holy cheerfulness. May God enlighten us! Pray earnestly for these things for me. Yours, etc.