Letter 5. To Madame De Chantal

Madame, Annecy, May 3, 1604.

In compliance with my promise of writing to you as often as I can, I write now. The farther we are separated externally, the more I feel bound to you inwardly; nor will I cease to pray our Dear Lord that He will perfect in you His holy work, ue. the longing and desire to attain unto Christian perfection, a desire which you ought to cherish fondly in your heart, as the work of the Holy Spirit, and a ray of His heavenly Light This desire is one of the pillars of your temple; the other is your love for your widowhood, a holy and needful love, without which your position would be unreal and felse. S. Paul bids us “honour widows that are widows indeed;” but such as do not love their widowhood are not true widows; it is not of them that God declares Himself the Defender and Protector. Thank God for having * John, xvii. 4.

given you an earnest love for your condition: cultivate it diligently, and you will find ever-increasing comfort. At least once every month examine yourself as to whether these two pillars are firm.... Beware of scruples. Keep yourself in God’s Presence, and avoid all hurry and disquiet; nothing is a greater hindrance in the way of perfection. Cast yourself, not vehemently but gently, into the Saviour’s Wounds. Have an exceeding confidence in His Mercy and Goodness, and be sure that He will not forsake you; but nevertheless cling closely to His Holy Cross. Next to the Love of our Lord, I would commend to you that of His Bride, the Church. Thank God continually that you are a member thereof... Have a tender compassion for the pastors and preachers of the Church, and pray for them that God would enable them to win many souls and save their own; and herein do not forget me. Write to me as often as you can, and with the fullest confidence — ^my great desire for your good and your progress will be furthered by kno^dng often how you fare. Commend me to our Lord. I need it above all men. I pray Him to fill you abundantly with His Holy Love, and all who belong to you. Believe me always your most true servant in Jesus Christ, &c.

[60.1 VI.