Letter XIII. To a Superioress of the Visitation

Counsels to be interpreted with discretion; multiplicity of exercises chiefly intended for beginners.

WELL, my dear daughter, I tell you that if I have said in some conference, twelve hours in the house for one in the parlour, I said what would be desirable if it were practicable. One often says such things, which must be understood with allowance, that is, when the things can be done reasonably, according to places, times, and the affairs one has to transact. So remain at peace, and apply this principle wisely, prudently, not drawing a hard and fast line, nor rigorously nor word by word.

The Directory of the novitiate proposes a multitude of exercises, 'tis true; and further it is good and suit able in the commencement to keep spirits regulated and occupied: but when in progress of time souls are a little practised on this multiplicity of interior acts, and are shaped, broken in and made active, then the exercises unite in one exercise of greater simplicity, either the love of complacency, or the love of benevolence, or the love of confidence, or. of uniting and reuniting the soul with God, insomuch that this multiplicity converts itself into unity.

And besides, if there be some souls, even in the novitiate, who are fearful of subjecting their spirit too closely to the appointed exercises, provided that this fear does not proceed from caprice, self-sufficiency, disdainfulness or melancholy, it is for the prudent mistress to conduct them by another way, although this one is ordinarily useful, as experience shows. Live wholly in God, in peace, in sweetness, courageously and holily, my dear daughter. I am in him entirely yours.