Letter IV. To Madame de Chantal

He speaks to her of the fruit of his Lent-preaching at Annecy, in 1607.

Annecy, about the Sth April, 1607.

Look you, my dear child, you know welj that Lent is the harvest-time of souls. I had not preached a e e

Lent in this dear town up to this, since I had been made bishop, except the first, in which I was looked at to see what I should do; and I had enough to do to take up my position, and see after the general affairs of the diocese which had just freshly fallen on my shoulders. Now, know that I make my harvest, with tears partly of joy and partly of love. O my God I to whom should I say these things, if not to my dear child?

I have just found in our sacred nets a fish which I had so longed for these four years. I must confess the truth, I have been very glad, I say extremely glad over it. I recommend her to your prayers, that our Lord may establish in her heart the resolutions he has put therein. It is a lady, quite a golden lady, and magnificently fitted to serve her Saviour; and if she persevere she will do so with fruit.

It is seven or eight days since I have thought of myself, or seen myself except on the surface; for so many souls have addressed themselves to me that I might see and serve them, that I have had no leisure to think of my own. It is true that, to console you, I am bound to say that I still feel my spirit whole within my heart, for which I praise God; for in truth this sort of occupation is extremely profitable to me. How do I wish that it may be very useful to those for whom I labour!

Live, my dear child, with our sweet Saviour, in his arms, during this holy Passion-tide; may he for ever repose between your breasts, as a sacred bundle of myrrh; it will be to you a sovereign epithem for all your palpitations of heart. Oh! this morning (for I must further say this), presenting the Son to the Father, I said to him in my soul: I offer you your heart, O Eternal Father! deign in its favour to receive also ours. I named yours, and that of the young servant of God of whom I spoke, and some others. I did not know which to push the more forward, whether the new for its need, or yours for my affection. Think what a struggle!

So, then, remain always in peace in the arms of our Saviour, who loves you so dearly, and whose sole love ought to serve us as a general rendezvous for all our consolations. This holy love, my child, in which ours is founded, enrooted, increased, and nourished, will be eternally perfect and enduring. I am he whom God has given you irrevocably.