Letter XIII. Further Instructions to the Same Legates

Rome, Beginning of September, 1541.

Of the way of dealing and conversing in Domino. In dealing with all, and especially with equals, and inferiors, according to their dignity and authority, speak little and speak late, listen long and libenter, a until they have quite finished all they have to say. Then answer the points that shall present themselves; conclude and take your leave;

Google if they should reply, cut the answers as short as may be convenient; let the leave-taking be prompt but courteous.

In conversing with those in authority or superiors, and to win their countenance for the greater service of God Our Lord, consider first of what temperament they are, and conform yourselves to it; for example, if one be passionate and speak quickly and with life, adopt to some extent his manner in ways that may be good and reverent, and do not show yourselves grave, phlegmatic, or melancholic. With those who by nature are retiring, slow in speaking, grave and mature in their conversation, assume their manner with them, for that is what suits them best: omnia omnibus foetus sum. a

It is to be noted, that if one be of a choleric temperament, and should converse with another who is choleric, if they be not in everything of the same mind, there is very great danger of their conversation becoming heated. Consequently, one who knows that he is of a choleric temperament must go strongly armed, even in regard to the smallest details about to be discussed with others, with examen and other precautions, to endure and not to lose his temper with the other party, especially if he knows that other to be weak in self-control. In conversing with phlegmatic or melancholic persons there is less danger of discord through heated words.

In all conversations by which we hope to win over others, and bring them into the net for the greater service of God Our Lord, let us follow the same course that the enemy follows with regard to a good soul, he all ad malum* we all ad bonum, b For the enemy enters in with the other and comes out with himself; he enters with the other, not going counter to his habits, but approving them; he becomes familiar with the soul, suggesting good and holy thoughts, and pleasing to the soul that is good; then little by little he endeavours to come out with himself, suggesting sub specie boni c some difficulty of error or illusion, semper ad malum* In the same way we may ad bonum approve or agree with someone in regard to some one thing that is good, passing over other bad points, and thus by winning his countenance we further our good object; by going in with him we come out with ourselves.

With such as we find tempted or depressed we should conduct ourselves pleasantly, speaking at greater length, showing greater pleasure and delight both interiorly and exteriorly, in order to combat their state of mind, ad majorem edifi - cationem et consolationem. e

In all our conversations, especially in those with a view of peace, and in our spiritual discourses, we need to be very guarded, bearing in mind that all that is said may and indeed will become public. a “For evil.” b “For good.”

c” Under the appearance of good.” d “Always for evil.”

In despatching business be liberal with time, making engagements for to-morrow, or even for to-day, if it be at all possible so to do.

Assuming that some kind of supervision is expedient, it will be well if Master Francis have the charge of money affairs, so as the better to agree or decline with each and all. But let no one of the three handle money, but send it by someone to the person to whom it is due; in fact, after the person who acts as your agent has given the money to whom it is due, and has brought back the receipt, let affidavits be exchanged, or some other method be employed that may seem more convenient, so that each of the three may say that he has touched no money appertaining to this Mission.

Notes on the text

• a “With willingness.” a “I was made all things to all men.” I Cor. ix. 22. e “With a view to greater edification and encouragement.”