Letter XIV. To F. Claude. de Coex, Prior of the Benedictine Monastery of Talloires

Instructions for the beginnings of a reform in his community.

ANNECY, loth July 1609.

SIR — Since God has chosen a very small number of persons, and, moreover, from amongst the least of the house in age and standing, it is needful that all be undertaken with a very great humility and simplicity, and that this little number do not reprehend or censure the others in words or in exterior ges tures, but simply edify them by good example and conversation.

LET. xvi.] Previous to Founding of Visitation. 87

The beginning being so small, great longanimity is needed in the execution, and a remembrance how that Our Lord after thirty-three years left only six-score disciples really collected together, amongst whom also there were many hard of teaching. The palm-tree, queen of trees, only produces its fruit a hundred years after it is planted. It is well, then, to be furnished with a generous and persevering heart in a work of such great importance. God has made reformations with less beginnings, and you must aim at nothing short of perfection.

And, to come to particulars, my advice is, that your holy band be careful to communicate devoutly at the very least once each week. Let them be taught to examine their consciences well and duly every night; let them be shown how to make mental prayer suit ably, according to the disposition of the subject, and, above all, let them be instructed to obey their director very willingly, very closely, and very perseveringly.

As to the habit, I do not think that it will be well to change it till after the year has expired, although I should like it to be in all things as uniform as it can be, both in shape and in material, and that the tunic should be wide, after the fashion of the reformed Benedictines. I think that the shirt should be kept to, for cleanliness, provided always that the collar be not extravagantly lengthened, but cut low and in a uniform manner. Each one, also, will wear a belt and hood of the same fashion, the whole to be very neat.

As regards the beds, the more simple they are the better. Let each have his own, and let them be so arranged that in getting up or retiring to rest persons may not see one another, so that even the eyes also be clean and modest. I should greatly approve that those who have a beard should be well shaved on head and chin, according to the ancient custom of Benedictines, and that, as far as possible, they should no longer go out by themselves, but always with a companion.

It will be expedient that at the Divine Office the little flock enter, remain, and go out all together, with uniform behaviour and ceremony, inasmuch as the exterior comportment, whether at the Office, at table, or in public, is a powerful incentive to good.

In this beginning it is not necessary to add any abstinence to that of Fridays and Saturdays, unless it be that of Wednesdays, according to the old custom and mitigation observed in the monastery.

Such is my modest advice for this commencement; the end arrived at will be a very different thing, please God; for, as you know, the first thing in intention is the last in execution. But to work well in this business, there is needed an unconquerable courage and to await the fruit in patience. I know and see your Rule, which speaks wonders; but it is not expedient to pass from one extremity to the other without a mean.

Plant deep down in your heart, sir, this affection — to build up again the walls of Jerusalem: God will help you with his hand. Above all, take care to use milk and honey, because meat cannot yet be masticated by the weak teeth of your guests. Adieu! Have good hope of being one of those by whom salvation will be made in Israel.

-. xvn.] Previous to Founding of Visitation. 89