XVII. To a nun

I should like to write you a long letter, but that is impossible at present, as I am overwhelmed with work. I have read your little autobiography with great interest, and quite understand your soul. I shall try to say in a few words what Our Lord inspires to write, reserving for my visit next month what remains to be said.

It is evident that Our Lord has destined your soul to a very close union with Him; and that thus united with Him, you were to have been His instrument for doing much for souls. There are in you excellent natural qualities, which, being elevated and supernaturalized by grace, would render you capable of very high sanctity. But you are a “child of impression”; and having taken the habit of allowing yourself to be guided and led by your impressions, there are in your life most astonishing contrasts. You must begin at the foundation of your soul, and try to accustom yourself to follow reason enlightened by faith, and no longer be the slave of your impressions. What distinguishes man from the animal is, that the animal, having no higher principle of action than sense, follows his impressions alone; whereas man has a spiritual principle which he should alone follow, using his senses, his impressions; but without being swept along by them. If you could once succeed in that, all that is good, and unselfish, and noble in you, would come into play; Jesus would become the absolute Master of your heart, and you would do great things for Him.

There is a book I am most anxious you should read and study. It will help you greatly to follow the direction I am giving you. I enclose the name and editor. You must read and weigh every word, for it is profound; but very specially suited for you. It is a very great grace for you to have such a prudent and holy Superioress. I have very great confidence in her; and am delighted God gives you the grace to be so open and simple with her. As I said, I hope to see you on my way to |. . .], or on my way back, following the circumstances. Till then, I shall pray for you with all my heart.

Please give my respects to the Community, and believe me your truly devoted father in J.C. Dom Columba Marmion, O.S.B.

P.S. You cannot have too much confidence in the holy sacraments. They are the triumph of the merits of Jesus, and of God’s mercy. Both are infinite. Provided you receive them with a sincere intention to return to God, they always produce their effects. Le nom du livre est: La vie intérieure simplifiée et ramenée a@ son fondement, par le R. P. Tissot. Derniére édition, chez Amat, Paris, ou chez Brunet, 5, rue Saint-Aubert, Arras.