Letter X. To a Religious of the Visitation

On want of reverence in church.

2jth December, 1615. The temptation to laugh in Church and at Office is bad, though it may seem only silly and childish; for after charity the virtue of religion is the most excellent. As charity renders to our Lord according to our power, the love which is due to him, so religion renders him due honour and reverence; and hence the faults which are committed against it are very bad. It is true that in yours I do not see great sin, as it is against the will; but yet you must not leave it without some penance. When the enemy cannot make our souls Marion, he makes our hearts Robin;* and it does not matter to him, provided that time is lost, the spirit dissipated, and somebody scandalized. But, look you, dear child of my heart, do not frighten these good daughters; for from one extreme they might pass to the other, which must not be.

I do not yet tell you my thoughts on the subject you write to me about, for to-day is in Christmastide, when the angels come to seek Paradise on earth. Certainly it has descended into the little cavern of Bethlehem, in which, my dear child, I shall find you in these days with all our dear sisters, who doubtless

• Adapting a proverbial expression (Bobin a troave Marion) — a rogue hath found his like.

will make their abode, like wise bees, with their little King. Those who humble themselves lowest will see him nearest; for he is lost in the very depths of humility, of courageous, confident a*nd constant humility. May this sweet Infant be for ever, my dearest daughter, the life of your heart, which I cherish incomparably, and which is always present to mine, so long as it pleases God that my love should strengthen itself by want of exterior manifestation.