Letter I. To a Young Married Lady

The Saint congratulates her on her marriage, and gives her advice on the duties of her state.

1 2th March 1613. May God be blessed and glorified in this change of state which you have made for his name, my dearest daughter; and I still say dearest daughter because this change changes nothing in the truly paternal affection which I have given to you. You will find that if you have a perfect resignation of your soul to the providence and will of our Lord, you will advance in this vocation, you will have much consolation, and will become at last very holy. It was what was necessary for your soul, as you have met a gentleman so full of good dispositions.

You are wrong to have a scruple about breaking the fast, as the doctor's advice requires it.

Guide yourself, as regards communion, by the wish of your confessor; for you must give him this satisfaction, and you will lose nothing; for what you may lack as regards receiving the holy Sacrament, you will find in submission and obedience. As a rule of life I will only give you what is in the book;* but if God disposes so that I can see you, and if there is any kind of difficulty, I will answer you.

There is no need for you to write me your confession: if you should have some special point on which you want to consult with my heart, which is all yours, you can write.

Be very gentle; do not live by humours and inclinations, but by reason and devotion. Love your husband tenderly, as having been given to you by the hand of our Lord.

Be very humble towards all; you must take great care to bring your spirit to peace and tranquillity, and to choke bad inclinations by attention to the practice of the contrary virtues, resolving to be more diligent, attentive, and active in the practice of virtues; and note these four words that I am going to say to you: your trouble comes from this, that you rather fear vices than love virtues.

If you could but stir the deep part of your soul to love the practice of gentleness and true humility, my dear daughter, you would be admirable; but it is necessary to often think about it. Make the morning preparation^ and in general make the spiritual life a part of your regular duty; God will repay you with a

• The Introduction, f Introd. ii. 10.

thousand consolations. But you must not forget to often lift up your heart to God, and your thoughts to eternity. Read a little every day, I beg you, in the name of God; do so for me, who every day recommends you to God, and I beg his infinite goodness to bless you for ever, your, &c.