Letter II

St. Francis de Sales to his Father.

He excuses himself for being unable to return. My Honoured Father, — Whatever respect I have for your orders, I cannot help telling you that it is impossible for me to obey them. You are not ignorant from whom, under God, and on God's part, I have received my mission. Am I able to withdraw myself from it without his leave? Apply then, if you please, to his Most Reverend Lordship: I am ready to quit, as soon as he speaks. In any case, I beseech you to consider those words of our Saviour: He who shall persevere to the end shall be saved;* and these others of St. Paul: He is not crowned that strivethj except he strive lawfully.f Our tribulation, which is momentary and light, worketh an eternal weight of glory. %

• Mat. x. 22. f 2 Tim. ii. 5.

J 2 Cor. iv. 17.