Letter XVIII. To a Cure of the Diocese op Geneva

Be recommends to him the conversion of an heretical doctor who was treating Madame de Chantal.

Monsieur, my dear Confrere, and my entire friend, I send this on the return of that poor doctor who has not been able to cure our mother, and whom I have not been able to cure. Ah! ought a son to kill the joy of his father's soul? With what good heart would our dear patient give her life for her doctor! And I, poor miserable shepherd, what would not I give for the salvation of this uuhappy sheep! Vive Dieu, before whom I live and speak, I would give my skin to clothe him, my blood to salve his wounds, and my temporal life to save him from eternal death.

Why do I say this to you, my dear friend, save to encourage you, for fear the neighbouring wolvei should break in upon your sheep, or to speak more paternally, according to the feelings of my soul, and this poor Genevois. Take care that no infected sheep hurts the dear and well-beloved flock! Watch carefully all round about this fold; and often tell them: Let fraternal charity abide in you;# and above all pray to him who has said: / am the good shepherd^ that he may animate our care, our love, and our words.

• Heb. xiii. I. \ John x. 14.

I recommend to your sacrifices this poor sick doctor. Say three Masses for this intention, that he may be able to heal onr mother and we may be able to heal him. She is very ill, this good mother, and my spirit is a little in trouble about her illness; I say a little and I mean much. I know, however, that if the Sovereign Architect of this new congregation wishes to take away the first foundation stone that he has laid, to put it in the holy Jerusalem, he well knows what he means to do with the rest of the building; in this knowledge, I remain in peace, and remain your, &c.