Letter III. To a Lady

Sickness may purify the soul as well as the body.

26th April, 16 1 5. Madam, — I have heard of your sickness, and I do not forget to pay the duty I owe so dear a daughter. If God hears my prayers, you will rise with a great increase of health (sante), and above all of holiness (saintete); for often these accidents leave us with this double advantage — the fever has dispersed the evil humours of the body, and purified the humours of the heart, as being trials from the hand of Almighty God.

I do not mean to call you a saint when I speak of an increase of sanctity in you, certainly not, my dearest daughter; it is not for my heart to flatter yours: but though you are not a saint your good desires are saintly, I well know, and I wish them to become so great as to be changed at last into perfect devotion,, sweetness, patience, and humility.

Fill all your heart with courage, and your courage* with confidence in God; for he who has given you the first attractions of his sacred love will never abandon you. These I beg him with all my heart to give; and am, without end, your most humble servant, and your husband's, whom, my dearest daughter, I have just seen.