Letter XIX. To a Lady

Counsels during pregnancy. I am just starting, my dearest daughter, and hence pressed for time. You must please consider these four lines as if they were many. Be sure, I beg you, that your very dear soul will never be more loved than it is by mine.

But what am I told? They tell me that though pregnant you fast, and rob your fruit of the nourishment which its mother requires in order to supply it. Do it no more, I beseech you; and humbling yourself under the advice of your doctors, nourish without scruple your body, in consideration of that which you bear: you will not lack mortifications for the heart, which is the only holocaust God desires from you.

O my God! what grand souls have I found here in the service of God! His goodness be blessed for it. And you are united with them, since you have the same desires. Live entirely in God, my dearest daughter, and persevere in praying for your, &c.