Letter VII. To the Same

Same Subject.

Though this messenger goes expressly, my dear mother, he starts at a time when I am very much engaged. That good lady has told me from you what you confided to her, and I praise God that he has given you new affections with this new health; but you must take good notice, my dearest daughter, my mother, that body and spirit often go in contrary movements; as one grows weak, the other grows strong, and when one grows strong, the other grows weak. But as it is the spirit which must reign, when we see that it has taken up its powers, we must so aid and establish it, that it may remain always the stronger. Without doubt, my dear mother, since sicknesses are crucibles, our heart should come out from them more pure, and amidst our infirmities we should become more strong.

Now, as to yourself, I fancy that • in the future your age and the delicate state of your constitution will often make you languid and feeble, wherefore I advise you to exercise yourself much in the will of God, and in the abnegation of exterior satisfactions, and in sweetness amid bitterness. This will be the most excellent sacrifice you can make. Hold good, and practise, not only a solid love, but a tender, gentle, and sweet love towards those about you: on which I say, by the experience I have, that infirmity, though it does not take away charity, yet takes away sweetness towards our neighbour, if we are not greatly on our guard.

My dearest mother, T wish you the height of perfection, in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

I remain for ever your, &c.