Letter XXIII. To a Lady

Whose husband had intended tojight a duel. My dearest Daughter, — I see by your letter the state of soul of your dear husband, from the duel which he had resolved upon, though he did not fight it. I think there is no excommunication, because it did not come to that effect required by the canons.

But, my dearest child, I confess that I am scandalized to see good Catholic souls, and souls which otherwise have an affection for God, so little careful of eternal salvation as to expose themselves to the danger of never seeing the face of God, and seeing for ever, and feeling, the horrors of hell. Truly, I cannot think how any one can have a courage so misdirected, and for trifles and nothings.

The love which I have for my friends, and specially your dear husband, makes my hair stand on end when 1 know they are in such peril; and what torments me most is the very little appearance they show of the true sorrow which they ought to have for the offence against God, since they take no pains to hinder it in future. What would I not do to have such things done no more!

But I do not say this to disquiet you. We must hope that God will amend us, all together, if we beg him to do so, as we ought. Get your good husband then to confess; for though I do not think he is under excommunication, yet he is in terrible mortal sin from which he must escape at once; for excommunication is only incurred by acts, but sin by will.

I think I shall soon have the bracelet of the presence of God,* whom I beg to bless you with all the desirable blessings which you can long for, my dearest daughter. Your, &c.