Letter XXII. To Mother Favre, at Lyons

Exhortation to charity and union.

loth September 1616.

THIS dear granddaughter who does not write, does she not deserve to be herself left in silence? But my affection does not allow it. And what shall I say to you then, my dear daughter? I recommend to you confidence in God, perfect simplicity and sincere dilection.

You have there those poor sisters, who are under your responsibility, and depend on your help in the advancement of your undertaking, for which they have come to you; unite your hearts and feeble strength, for by union you will get invincible strength.

Our mother will tell you, perhaps, if she has leisure for it, my fear lest the little foxes enter the vineyard to destroy it; * I mean aversions and repugnances which are the temptations of the Saints. Suffocate them in their birth. Make yours a united charity, and suspect all that shall be contrary to union, to support of one another, to the mutual esteem which you should have together.

Beware of human prudence, which Our Saviour reckons foolishness, and work in peace, in sweetness, in confidence, in simplicity. As soon as you have done what you have to do, it will be well to finish off your own private business. Live all of you in the bowels of divine charity, my dearest daughter, to whom I am with all my heart yours, &c.