22. Of the meat and peas given to the poor, and multiplied

It likewise happened once in autumn that the virgin had a quarter of a heifer, which she had bought, salted in the fourth part of a barrel, and also half a certain measure of peas she procured for the need of the poor, wishing with these to succour during the winter some poor people who lived at home. When therefore she had sent of the aforesaid meat to nearly thirty-six poor families, her messenger returning to her, said that he had distributed as much as he had first salted in the vessel, and that it was still diminished but little. In a like manner he had done with the peas; which also seemed to be very little lessened. Hearing which, the virgin considering the great goodness of God, and giving thanks to her heavenly Provider, said to the messenger : " O how great is the power of our Lord God, O how willingly we ought to give alms to the poor ! " And of the aforesaid meat ST. LYDWINE of SCHIEDAM and peas ate also all who were in her house. So much had God blessed the above food, that when Easter was over about a half thereof remained. And all the winter she bade them prepare and cook a great pot of peas once or twice a week, and to give thereof to the poor with the aforesaid meat; imitating the example of Eliseus the prophet, who gave word that a pottage should be made ready for the sons of the prophets in a pot. And seldom did she send aught of this to anyone, but she added a coin small or great; if however she could have one. But neither did she give bread, without adding above some dish to be taken with the bread, or money to buy some condiment for the food. And not only the poor, but the rich also when they besought, she succoured from charity with her alms. It would be too long to recite each instance of what with unstinted hand, as she was able to possess, she gave to the sick, the weak, to men, and to women in childbirth.