Letter XXIX. To one of his Sisters

The Saint recommends to her gentleness and jjeace in the troubles of this life.

2,oth June, 1612. My dearest Sister, — My child, I am grieved not to have sooner received the salutation which Maitre Constantine had brought me from you, for I should have had more leisure to write to you according to my heart, which is full of affection for you, and cherishes you so warmly that it cannot be satisfied with entertaining you for a little time. It is one of the satisfactions of my life to know that your soul is completely dedicated to the love of God, towards which you aim, advancing little by little in all sorts of pious exercises. But I ever recommend to you, more than all, that of holy sweetness and gentleness in the troubles this life no doubt often causes you. Remaiu quiet and all loving, with Jesus Christ on your heart. How happy will you be, very dear sister, my child, if you continue to hold the hand of his divine majesty, amid the care and course of your affairs, which will succeed much more after your wish if God help you in them! And the least consolation, which you have from him will be better than the greatest you can have from earth.

Yes, my dear child, my sister, I love you, and more than you could credit: but principally since I have seen in your soul the excellent and honourable desire to will to love our Lord with all fidelity and sincerity. In this I beseech you to persevere constantly, and also in loving me very entirely, since I have a heart quite completely and faithfully, my dearest child, yours, &c.