Letter VII. To St. Charles Borromeo, Milan

He promises to establish a Congregation in Milan,

if it so pleases God,

Most illustrious and most reverend Monsignore, — I have received the document brought to me by the Abate Agostini, relating to the affairs of St. Simone. Our F. Giovanni Paolo will be able to tell your most illustrious lordship what we have resolved together, and if it shall be so settled by the deputies there, you will learn that we intend to come and work for the service of God in Milan, and wherever His Divine Majesty shall be pleased to call us ; however, until our affairs are settled and established in Rome, it did not seem consistent with prudence to take so great a step hastily. For the rest, as this is the first opportunity I have yet had of employing myself in your most illustrious lordship's service, let me assure you that I am at your command now and always, both heart and soul. We shall seek by prayer to have a part in the good which our Lord God is doing in Milan by your hand, beseeching Him to prosper it to His honour and glory. And I humbly kiss your hand, and beg your blessing on myself and this our little Congregation. — Your most illustrious and most reverend lordship's most humble servant, Philip Neri.

Rome, Af ay 15, 1578. VOL. IL 2 A