Letter XXXVII. To a Lady

God does not give good desires without giving the means to accomplish them.

The marks which I have seen in your soul of a sincere confidence in mine, and of an ardent affection for piety, make my heart fraternally amorous of yours.

Courage then, my good child, you will see we shall get on; for this dear and sweet Saviour of our souls has not given us these inflamed desires of serving him, without giving us the chance of doing so; without doubt he only defers the time for accomplishing your desires in order to choose a more suitable one; for you see, my dearest daughter, this amorous heart of our Redeemer measures and adapts all the events of this world unto the good of the souls which, without reserve, are willing to serve his divine love.

This good time then which you desire will come ou the day which this sovereign providence has named in the secret of his mercy; and then, with a thousand secret consolations, you will open out your interior before his divine goodness; and this will convert your rocks into water, your serpent into a rod, and all the thorns of your heart into roses, and into abundant roses, which will recreate your spirit and mine with their sweetness.

For it is true, my daughter, that our faults, which while in our souls are thorns, are changed into roses and perfumes when voluntary accusation drives them out; because while it is our malice draws them into our hearts, it is the goodness of the Holy Spirit which draws them out.

Since you have strength to rise an hour before Matins, and make mental prayer, I approve it very strongly. What a happiness to be with God while no one knows what passes between God and the heart, except God himself and the heart which adores him.

I approve that you practise yourself in meditation on the life and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the evening, between Vespers and supper, you may retire, for quarter of an hour or a short half-hour, either into your room or the church, and there, in order to rekindle the fire of the morning, either taking up again the same subject or taking Jesus Christ crucified as your subject, you must make a dozen fervent and amorous aspirations to your beloved, always renewing your good resolutions to be all his.

Have good courage; God undoubtedly calls you to much love and perfection. He will be faithful on his side to help you; be faithful on yours to follow him and correspond with him. And as for me, my child, be well assured that all my affections are dedicated to your good and the service of your dear soul, which may God will to bless for ever with his great benedictions. I am then, in him, all yours, &c.