Letter XXI. To Mother de Chantal

She is not to appeal to law in order to retain the dowry of a sister who is going to leave the convent. Vanity of earthly things and of human prudence.

THIS is what I am writing to my very dear daughter, according to my real sentiments. The truth is, one talks continually of being a child of the gospel, and scarcely any one holds its maxims in such entire esteem as is due. We have too many aims and designs; we would have the merits of Calvary and the consolations of Thabor both together, have the favours of God and the favours of the world. Go to law! no indeed, I will not: To him that would take away thy cloak give thy coat also* What is she thinking of? Four lives like hers would not suffice to terminate her affair by way of law. Let her die of hunger and thirst after justice; for blessed will she be. Is it possible that her sisters are unwilling to give her anything? But if it be so, is it possible that the children of God insist on having all that belongs to them, when their Father Jesus Christ willed to have nothing of this world be longing to him?

Ah! how greatly I desire her good — but above all, the sweetness of the peace of the Holy Spirit, and the assurance which she ought to have as to my senti ments towards her: for I can say that I know they are according to God, and not only that, but they are from

• Luke vi. 29.

LET. xxn.] Later Letters to Visitation. 2 1 1

God. What is the good of so much concern for so transitory a life, and of making a gilded frame for a paper picture? I tell her paternally my sentiments; for I certainly love her beyond belief: but I say it before Our Lord, who knows that I lie not.

O my mother, I fear natural prudence extremely in the discernment of the things of grace; and if the prudence of the serpent be not diluted with the simplicity of the dove of the Holy Spirit, it is altogether poisonous.

What more shall I say to you? Nothing else, my dear mother, save that I cherish your heart incomparably, and as mine own, if mine and thine can be said between us, where God has established a most unchange able and indissoluble unity, for which may he be blessed for ever. Amen.