Letter XXI. To a Lady

The Saint consoles her on her childlessness. Both thoughts are good, my dearest daughter: since you have given all to God, you should seek nothing in yourself but him, who is without doubt himself the good exchanged for the poor little all you have given him. O how this will increase your courage, and make you walk confidently and simply! And it is well for you to think always that your trouble comes from your fault, yet without occupying yourself in thinking what the fault is; for this will make you walk in humility. Do you think, my dearest daughter, that Sara, Rebecca, Rachel, Anne the mother of Samuel, St. Anne, mother of our Lady, and St. Elizabeth were less agreeable to God when they were barren than when they were fruitful. We must walk faithfully in the way of our Lord, and remain in peace as much in the winter of sterility as in the autumn of fruitfulness.