Letter IX. To a Religious Superior

i favour of one of Ms subjects who had been expelled and ivished to return.

ANNECY, i^th July 1618.

MY REVEREND FATHER — Brother N. came to me in the depth of his affliction, and I am able to say that he was more dead than alive, so extreme was his desolation. And I was reminded of him who did not extinguish * Isa. vii. 15.

the smoking flax, and did not break the broken reed* He presented to me his letters of dismissal, ejection, expulsion from the Order, and by his tears easily obtained from me leave to stay some weeks in this diocese, during which I was at Lyons visiting my Lord the Archbishop, at whose house the Reverend Father V. spoke to me. To say what I think, he spoke to me according to my heart, for he recom mended to me this poor man, this priest, bound by the vows of religion, that he might be somewhat comforted. After that, I did still more gladly what I wanted to do in charity for this soul.

But, my Reverend Father, it has always been with this reservation, that he should on every occasion respect and honour your Order, and should conduct him self humbly towards all those who belong to it; and on your information I will keep my hand still more firmly upon him as to this as long as he stays in my diocese, for I desire nothing but to give satisfaction to Religious, and particularly to such as yourselves.

But, my Reverend Father, you propose to me the return of this sheep into your fold; I think he would desire nothing better, and particularly if you would please to assure him that you would further his good intention with some gentle advice, and with some moderation of the penance which perhaps your consti tutions impose on those who return. And if you take the trouble to acquaint me with your will in this respect, I will co-operate in this good work with all my heart; with which, saluting you very humbly, and wishing you every holy benediction, I remain, my Reverend Father, yours, &c.

• Matt, xil 20.

LET. XL] Further Letters Outside Visitation. 293