Letter XXXIX. To a Lady

The will of God gives a great value to the least actions. We must love nothing too ardently, even virtues.

Madam, my dearest Sister, — You see me in readiness to write to you, and I know not what, except to tell you to walk always gaily in this all-heavenly way in which God has placed you. I will bless him all my life for the graces he has prepared you; prepare him, on your side, as an acknowledgment, great resignations, and courageously lead your heart to the execution of the things you know he wants from you, in spite of all kinds of contradictions which might oppose themselves to this.

Regard not at all the substance of the things you do, but the honour they have, however trifling they may be, to be willed by God, to be in the order of his providence, and disposed by his wisdom; in a word, being agreeable to God, and recognised as such, to whom can they be disagreeable?

Be attentive, my dearest child, to make yourself every day more pure of heart. This purity consists in estimating and weighing all things in the balance of the sanctuary, which is nothing else but the will of God.

Love nothing too much, not even virtues, which are lost sometimes by passing the bounds of moderation. I do not know whether you understand me, but I think so: I refer to your desires, your ardours.

It is not the property of roses to be white, I think; for the red are lovelier and of sweeter smell; but it is the property of lilies.

Let us be what we are, and let us be it well, to do honour to the Master whose work we are. People laughed at the painter, who wishing to represent a horse, painted a perfect bull; the work was fine in itself, but of little credit to the workman, who had another design, and had done well by chance.

Let us be what God likes, so long as we are his, and let us not be what we want to be, if against his intention; for if we were the most excellent creatures under heaven, what would it profit us if we were not according to the pleasure of God's will?

Perhaps I repeat this too much; but I will not say it so often again, as our Lord has already strengthened you much in this point.

Do me this pleasure, to let me know the subject of your meditations for the present year. I shall be charmed to know it, and also the fruit they produce in you. Rejoice in our Lord, my dear sister, and keep your heart in peace. I salute your husband, and am for ever, Madam, &c.