Letter XXXVII. To a Superioress of the Visitation

On allowing benefactresses to stay in houses of the Visitation^ and on receiving penitents: progress of the Institute: we must not defend ourselves or judge others.

I SEE no objection to receiving Madame de N. or other benefactress of the kind, particularly when they want to leave the monastery no more, or at least want to leave it but seldom; for in this there is nothing contrary to good order.

I do not consider that monasteries of the Visitation must refuse all repentant women. Prudence must be tempered with sweetness, and sweetness with prudence* There is sometimes so much to be gained in penitent souls that nothing must be refused them.

It seems to me that the upright rods should be in the grille of the choir as in that of the parlour.

I think so, my dear mother — that it should be stated that we can with a little leisure provide for Marseilles. Our sisters will have written to you that sisters have been sent to Belley, and I tell you that in a little time some will be wanted for Chambery. Madame the Duchess of Mantua has strong desires for the advancement of our Institute; she is a' very worthy princess, and so are her sisters.

Our Sister N. writes to me that some nuns, good servants of God, openly oppose her. I have written her a note to tell her to remain at peace. I will, with

God's help, never let this maxim leave my mind, that

• The French has no date. [Tr.]

LET. xxxvm.] Later Letters to Visitation. 239 we must in no wise live according to human prudence, but according to the faith of the Gospel: Defend not yourselves, my dearly Moved, says St. Paul.* We must overcome evil with good, bitterness by sweetness, and remain in peace.

And never commit the fault of contemning the sanctity of an Order or of a person for a fault com mitted by them in the error of an immoderate zeal. My dear mother, may God be for ever your one love.