Letter VI. To a Young Lady

On friendships founded in charity.

O God! how far more constant and firm are the friendships founded in charity than those whose foundation is in flesh and blood, or in worldly motives.

Do not trouble yourself about your drynesses and barrennesses; rather comfort yourself in your superior soul, and remember what our God has said: Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are they who hunger and thirst after justice.*

What a happiness to serve God in the desert without manna, without water, and without other consolation than that of being under his guidance, and suffering for him! May the most Blessed Virgin be truly born in our hearts to bring her blessings to them. I am in her and in her son entirely yours.