Fifth Letter

To Madame

Madame, — I pity you much. It will be of the greatest moment, if you can leave the care of your affairs to M. and Mme. and spend the remainder of your life only in worshipping God. He lays no great burden upon us, — a little remembrance of Him from time to time, a little adoration; sometimes to pray for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sorrows, sometimes to return Him thanks for the benefits He hath bestowed upon you and is still bestowing in the midst of your troubles. He asks you to console yourself with Him the oftenest you can. Lift up your heart to Him even at your meals, or when you are in company, — the least little remembrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud: He is nearer to us than we think.

To be with God, there is no need to be continually in church. Of our heart we may make an Oratory, wherein to retire from time to time and with Him hold meek, humble, loving converse. Everyone can converse closely with God, some more, others less: He knows what we can do. Let us begin then; perhaps He is just waiting for one generous resolution on our part; let us be brave. So little time remains to us to live; you are near sixty-four, and I am almost eighty. Let us live and die with God: sufferings will be ever sweet and pleasant to us, while we abide with Him; and without Him, the greatest pleasures will be but cruel anguish. May He be blessed for all. Amen.

Accustom yourself, then, by degrees, to S7 worship Him with your whole strength, to beg His grace, to offer Him your heart, from time to time throughout the day’s business, even every moment, if you can. Do not scrupulously confine yourself to fixed rules or particular forms of devotion; but act with faith in God, with love, and with humility. You can assure M. and Mme. and Mdlle.

of my poor prayers, and that I am their servant, and in particular, in OUR Lord, — Your Brother, etc.