Letter II

FKOM MOTHER DE CHANTAL TO THE SAINT. Answer to the Preceding.

gth August

AH! my only father, what good does this dear letter do me! Blessed be he who inspired you with it, and blessed be the heart of my father for ever and ever!

Truly I have an extreme desire, and, as I think, am in a firm resolution, to live in my self-renunciation, by the grace of my God: and I trust he will aid me. I feel my spirit quite free, and in a certain profound and infinite consolation to see itself thus in the hands of God. It is true that all the rest of my being remains ever in much distress: but if I do well what you told me, my sole father, as certainly I will do with God's help, all will constantly get better.

I must say this to you: if I were to let my heart go, it would seek to clothe itself again with the affec tions and desires which it fancies our Lord will give it; but this I by no means permit, so that these projects only appear in the distance; for, methinks, I must ponder, love, and will nothing except according to the

LET. in.] Later Letters to Visitation. 171 orders of the foster-father who will be given me; and I am careful not to notice who this may be.

May my God fortify you by his sweet goodness, and make us perfectly accomplish what he desires from you, my dearest father; may Jesus make you a great saint, and I believe he will. Blessed be his goodness for your cure and good rest. Good-bye, my true father; to-night I will give you news of me.