Letter XXX. To a Lady

Same subject as the preceding.

23rd October, 1620. Truly, my dearest daughter, I could willingly love the maladies of your dear husband, if charity allowed, because I think them useful to you for the mortification of your affection and feelings. Well, then, leave it to be seen by the heavenly and eternal Providence of our Lord, whether they are for the good of your soul or of his, both being exercised as they are by means of holy patience. O, my child, how often the world calls good what is evil, and still oftener evil what is good. However, since that sovereign goodness which wills our troubles wills also that we ask of him deliverance from them, I beg it with all my heart to give back good and lasting health (sante) to this dear husband, and a very excellent and very lasting holiness (saintete) to my dearest daughter, that she may walk steadily and fervently in the way of true and living devotion.

" lam writing to the Visitation Mother (De Chantal). There seems to be illness everywhere, but illness which is a great good, as I hope. Let the good pleasure of the Divine Majesty ever be our pleasure and comfort in the adversities which come upon us. Amen.