Letter LIV. To a Lady

The Saint recommends her peace of the soul and trust in God.

October, 1617. I firmly believe, my dearest daughter, that your heart receives consolation from my letters, which are also written to you with an incomparable affection, since it has pleased God that my affection towards you should be quite paternal; according to which, I cease not to wish you the height of all blessings.

Keep your courage ever high, I beseech you, my dearest daughter, in the confidence which you should have in our Lord, who has cherished you, giving you so * That is after the morning meal.

many humble attractions to his service; and cherishes you, continuing them to you, and will cherish you, giving you holy perseverance.

I do not understand, in good sooth, how souls which have given themselves to the divine goodness, are not always joyous: for is there a happiness equal to this? Nor should imperfections which may arise trouble you at all; for we do not wish to entertain them, or even to stay our affections on them. Remain, then, quite in peace, and live in humility and sweetness of heart.

You have well known, my dearest daughter, all our little afflictions, which I might well have had reason to call great, had I not seen a special love of God towards the souls whom he has withdrawn from amongst us; for my brother died as a religious among soldiers; my sister as a saint among religious. It is only to recommend them to your prayers that I say just this word.

Your husband is quite right to love me j for I wish ever to honour him and you, my dearest daughter. I figure to myself that you always have a cordial affection for me, and your soul will answer you for me that I am yours, since the Lord and Creator of our spirits has made this tie between us. For ever may his name be blessed! and that he may make you eternally his, is the continual desire, my dearest daughter, of your, &c.