Letter XLVIII. To a Sister of the Visitation. on the Renunciation of Self in Order to Belong Entirely to God

IT is the truth, my dear daughter, that my soul cherishes you most perfectly; and it is impossible for me, when I think of you, which is not very rarely, not to feel a very particular movement of love.

Well, it was absolutely required that the serpent should thrust itself by force into the hardness of the stone in order to strip itself of its old skin, and happily to renew its youth so as to be transformed into a dove. God be praised, my dear daughter, that you have suffered such dreadful pangs in bringing yourself forth in Jesus Christ!

Walk now holily and carefully in this newness of spirit, and take good care not to look back, for there would be extreme danger in that; and bless divine Providence, which had prepared you so amiable a nurse. Oh how good and gracious is God, my dear daughter! Truly I have had an incredible satisfaction in seeing how he has conducted you in the abundance of his love. Ah! then, never abandon him, and give entire liberty to your heart to unite and clasp itself unchangeably to his pleasure; for it is made to that end.

That this dear mother be superior I consent without difficulty; but that this could be done absolutely in the way you speak of I cannot see the way to, nor will it depend on me, who am of very little account here and of none at all elsewhere: I only repeat that as to my consent I give it, and besides will contribute what I can properly do for your intention.

LET. L.] Later Letters to Visitation. 261

Bu j, my dear daughter, are we not children, adorers and servers of Heavenly Providence, and of the loving and paternal heart of Our Saviour? Is it not upon this basis that we have built our hopes? Do what he has inspired you for his glory, and doubt not but that he will do for your good what shall be best. Do not make terms with him: he is our Master, our King, our Father, our All; think of serving him well, he will think of helping us well.

And so, my daughter, to conclude, I will do all I can to give you this little satisfaction, though it is not much I can do: where you are I am sure they will do the same; but in heaven all will be done: you will be filled with consolations, by means which the Supreme Wisdom knows and sees, and which we know not.

Eemain at peace, feed lovingly, carefully and faith fully this new dear infant which your soul has newly brought forth into the Holy Spirit, that it may strengthen in sanctity and increase in blessings, to be for ever loved of the Beloved. What further can I desire you, my very dear daughter? I am entirely, I assure you, your very humble, &c.