Letter XXV. To a Superioress of the Visitation {Probably M. de Brfohard)

We are not to trust to human providence but to divine, and we should be as willing for God to be served by others as by ourselves.

0 MY dear daughter, how sad to consider the effects of human prudence in these souls about whom you

LET. xxv.] Later Letters to Visitation. 2 1 5 write to me, the mine and thine reigning so much the more powerfully in spiritual things because they seem to be a spiritual mine and thine; whereas they were not simply unspiritual but carnal. Oh how far is all this removed from that pure charity, which has not jealousy nor envy, and which seeketh not her own* My daughter, this prudence is opposed to that sweet repose which the children of God should have in heavenly Providence.

One would think that the erection of religious houses and the vocation of souls were effected by the con trivances of natural wisdom; and I am willing to believe that for the construction of the walls and wood- work nature will suffice: but the vocation, the union of called souls, their multiplication, is either supernatural or is good for nothing. Things which God does by a peculiar grace we make too much an affair of state, and put too much worldly policy into. It is always the poor rejected ones who have had blessing and increase, as Anna, Lia, and the rest.

But, my dear daughter, we must remain in peace, in sweetness, in humility, in charity unfeigned, without complaining, without moving the lips. Oh! if we can have a spirit of entire dependence on the paternal care of our God in our congregation, we shall with sweetness see the flowers multiply in other gardens, and shall bless God for it as if it were in ours. What matters it to a truly loving soul whether the heavenly Spouse be served by this means or by another? He who seeks only the contentment of the Beloved is content with all that contents him.

Believe me, the good which is true good fears nob * I Cor. xiii.

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to be lessened by the increase of other true good. Let us serve God well, and not say: What shall we eat, what shall we drink* whence will sisters come to us? It is for the master of the house to have this solicitude, and for the lady of the apartments to furnish them; and our houses belong to God and to his holy Mother. Give, as far as you can, the spirit of a true and most humble generosity to our dear sisters, whom I salute with all my soul. You are ever more and more my dearest daughter, entirely well-beloved, and I am your most affectionate servant, &c.