Letter 1966. To Sister Anne Francoise de Montrambault

My dearest Daughter,—When you feel that you would like to write to me of your spiritual state, have no qualms about it, for I am wholly at your service, and I have a very special love for you. Feel then quite at your ease as far as I am concerned. God has for a long time drawn you to this prayer of His simple presence, and it is, I see, a grace that He continues to bestow upon you, for which I bless His goodness, believing that you will not be deprived of it. But take great care to put no hindrance in its way, neither through fear nor through thoughts of seeking for ‘ your own satisfaction. If divine grace should withdraw a little and leave you devoid of feeling or of light, these alternations are inevitable with us all. Your part in them is humbly and gently to bear the suffering, meanwhile making acts of submission and confidence, and a tranquil surrender of yourself, awaiting passively the return of grace. And be as content in this state as if sensible graces had not ceased. Let not your mind be troubled by anything whatsoever. Above all, do not turn in on yourself to see what is taking place in your soul, nor to find out from whence comes your pain and dryness. Try to dwell in the strength of God, living peacefully and patiently according to His holy will. As to the perplexities of your mind, tranquillise them as far as you can, and if you cannot, bear with them without making yourself uneasy, but endeavour to keep them in check by a simple turning to God, with the firm belief that you are in His presence although you do not feel it. In a word, make no reflections. Abide in the state in which God wills you to be, and make every effort to practise these two points—the presence of God of which you speak, and the keeping yourself free from all and above all by the exercise of virtues according as God puts them in your way. As to mortifications and actions not usual in the community, I do not wish you to undertake many unless it be very clear that God wishes it, and that obedience command or approve of them.