Letter XXIII. To the Same

Acquiescence of the Saint in the Divine Will.

My dearest Mother, — These few words go, by an unexpected opportunity, to salute your dear soul, which I cherish as mine own: and such it is, in him who is the principle of all unity and union.

I cannot deny that I am grieved about your fever; but do not pain yourself about my pain, for you know me. I am a man to suffer, without suffering, all it will please God to do with you as with me. Ah! we must make no reply nor reflection.

I confess before Heaven and the angels that you are precious to me as myself; but this takes not from me the most determined resolution to acquiesce fully in the Divine will. We wish to serve God in this world, anywhere, with all that we are: if He judge it better that we should be in this world, or in the other, or in both, His most holy will be done, since I am inseparable from your soul; and to speak with the Holy Spirit, we have henceforward but one heart and one soul: for what is said of all the Christians of the early Church, is found, thanks to God, in us.

I will say no more save that I am better, and my heart goes better than it has done for a long time; but I know not whether the consolation comes from natural causes or from grace.

May God ever be in the midst of your heart, to fill it with His holy love! Amen. Vive Jesus, my dearest Mother, I am as you know yourself, evermore entirely yours.