Letter XIV. To a Young Lady

Whom we are to consult about entering religion.

Annecy, 3rd July, 1612. Mademoiselle, — You think that your desire to enter religion is not according to God's will, because you do not find it agree with that of the persons who have the power to command and the duty to guide you. If this refers to those who have from God the power and duty to guide your soul and to command you in spiritual things, you are certainly right. In obeying them you cannot err, although they may err and advise you badly, if they look principally to any thing else than your salvation and spiritual progress. But if you mean those whom God has given you for

• Ps. xxxvii. 10.

^ D directors in temporal and domestic things, you are wrong when you trust them in things in which they have no authority over you. If we had to hear the advice of our relatives, of flesh and blood, in such circumstances, there would be few who would embrace the perfection of the Christian life. This is the first point.

The second is, that as you have not only desired to leave the world, but would again desire it if allowed by those who have kept you back, it is a clear sign that God wishes your departure, since he continues his inspirations amid so many contradictions. Your heart, touched by the load-stone, always points towards the pole-star, though quickly turned aside by impediments of earth. For, what would your heart say, if unhindered? Would it not say: Let us go from amongst those of the world? This then is still its inspiration; but being hindered it cannot or dares not say thus. Give it its liberty before it speaks, for it could not speak better things, and this secret it says, so quietly to itself: I should like, I should greatly wish to leave the world — this is the true will of God.

In this you are wrong (pardon my straightforward liberty of speech) — in this, I say, you are wrong, to call what hinders the execution of this desire the will of God, and the power of those who hinder you, the power of God.

The third point of my counsel is that you are not at all wrong with God, since the desire of retreat which he has given is always in your heart, though hindered from its effect. The balance of your mind inclines that way, though a finger is placed on the other side to hinder the proper weighing.

The fourth — that if your first desire has been in any way wrong, you must mend it, and not break it. I am given to understand that you have offered half your property, or the price of that house which is now dedicated to God. Perhaps this was too much, considering that you have a sister with a large family, for which, by the order of charity, you should rather employ your property. So then, you must reduce this excess, and come to this house with a part of your income, as much as is necessary for quiet living, leaving all the rest as you like, and even reserving the above-named part, after your death, for those to whom you may wish to do good. Thus you will guard against extremes and keep to your design, and all will go gaily, gently, and holily.

In fine, take courage, and make a good absolute resolution; though it is not a sin to remain thus in these weaknesses, still, you lose good chances of making progress and of gaining very desirable consolations.

I have informed you exactly of my opinion, thinking you will do me the favour not to think it wrong of me. God give you the holy benedictions I wish you, and the sweet correspondence he desires from your heart, and I am in him, with all sincerity, Mademoiselle, your, &c.