Letter XI. To a Lady

Distance of place can put no obstacle to the union of God's children. How to behave in uncharitable company. Gentleness toward all.

Never think, my dearest daughter, that distance of place can ever separate souls which God has united by the ties of his love. The children of the world are all separated one from another because their hearts are in different places; but the children of God, having their heart where their treasure is, and all having only one treasure which is the same God, are, consequently always joined and united together. We must thus console our spirits in the necessity which keeps us out of this town, and which will soon force me to set out to return to my charge. We shall see one another very often again before our holy crucifix, if we keep the promises we have made to one another; and it is there alone that our interviews are profitable.

Meanwhile, my dearest daughter, I will commence by telling you that you must fortify your spirit by all possible means against these vain apprehensions which generally agitate and torment it; and for purpose regulate, in the first place, your exercises in such a way, that their length may not weary your soul, nor trouble the souls of those with whom God makes you live.

A half quarter of an hour, and even less, suffices for the morning preparation; three-quarters of an hour, or an hour for Mass; and during the day there must be some elevations of the spirit to God, which take no time, but are made in a single moment. Then the examination of conscience in the evening before rest, besides grace at table, which is an ordinary thing, forms a plan of reunion for your heart with God.

In a word, I wish you to be just Philothea, and no more than that; namely, what I describe in the book of the Introduction, which is made for you and those in a similar state.

As to conversations, my dearest daughter, be at peace regarding what is said or done in them: for if good, you have something to praise God for, and if bad, something in which to serve God by turning your heart away from it. Do not appear either shocked or displeased since you cannot help it, and have not authority enough to hinder the bad words of those who will say them, and who will say worse if you seem to wish to hinder them; for acting thus you will remain innocent amongst the hissings of the serpents, and like a sweet strawberry you will receive no venom from the contact of venomous tongues.

I cannot understand how you can admit these immoderate sadnesses into your heart; being a child of God, long ago placed in the bosom of his mercy, and

8o 5/. Francis de Sales.

consecrated to his love, you should comfort yourself? despising all these sad and melancholy suggestions; the enemy makes them to you, simply with the design of tiring and troubling you.

Take great pains to practise well the humble meekness which you owe to your dear husband, and to everybody; for it is that virtue of virtues which our Lord has so much recommended to us: but if you happen to fail in it do not distress yourself: only with all confidence get up again on your feet to walk henceforward in peace and sweetness as before.

I send you a little method for uniting yourself to God, in the morning and all through the day. So much, my dear daughter, I have thought good to tell you for your comfort at present. It remains that I pray you not to make any ceremony with me, who have neither the leisure nor the will to make any with you. Write to me when you like, quite freely; for I shall always gladly receive news of your soul which mine cherishes entirely, as in truth, my dearest daughter, I am your, &c.