Letter 103. To a Religious of the Visitation

I HAVE received your letter, my dearest daughter, in which you lay your failings and troubles before me with so much sincerity, and I would that I could fulfil your hopes that I might remedy them; but I have not leisure to do so, nor do I think you really need it, for in truth, my dearest child, the greater part of what you tell me requires no other remedy than the natural course of time and the practice of the Rule under which you live. There are in the same way certain bodily disorders which are only to be cured by a well ordered plan of life. Self-love, self-esteem, and a false spirit of liberty, are roots which can never be entirely eradicated trom the human heart; but we may hinder the ripening of their fruits, — ^that is, sin. All through this mortal life we are unable altogether to hinder their impulses and outbreaks as they spring forth, although we can moderate and restrain them by cultivating the opposite virtues, and above all by the Love of God. We must have patience, so as by degrees to amend and cut off bad habits, conquer repugnances, and overcome tempers and inclinations as they arise, for indeed, my dear child, this life is a perpetual warfare, and no one can say, I am free from attacks. Rest remains for us in Heaven, and the palm of victory. On earth we must always fight on between hope and fear; but in the main hope will be the strongest, by reason of His Omnipotence Who succours us. Do not be weary then of labouring ceaselessly to correct yourself and attain to perfection. There are three kinds of charity, — Love of God, love for yourself, and love of your neighbour. Now your Rule puts you in the way of growing in all these. Cast your whole mind and heart and care upon God many times a day, saying to Him, with David, “I am Thine, O save me." Do not distract your mind with dwelling much upon what kind of prayer God enables you to make; rather follow simply and humbly where His Grace leads you. Keep your eyes open to your own ill-regulated inclinations, in order to uproot them. Never be surprised to find yourself poor and miserable, and overwhelmed with evil tempers. Deal with your heart as having an earnest desire for its perfection; be indefatigable in recalling it gently and patiently when it has stumbled. Above all, do whatever lies in your power to strengthen the higher part of your mind, not dallying with feelings and consolations, but cleaving stedfastly to such resolutions and efforts as may be put before you by faith, your Rule, your Superior, and by reason.

Do not be over-tender with yourself; over-indulgent mothers spoil their children. Do not be given either to tears or complamts; do not be surprised because you have so many troubles and difficulties, and find such difficulty in making them known. No, my child, do not be surprised, — God allows them in order to teach you true humility, to make you abject and vile in your own eyes. Be kindly to your neighbour, and, in spite of your impulses and even outbreaks of anger, say in the Gracious Words of the Saviour, “ I love these neighbours. Holy Father, because Thou lovest them. Thou hast given them to be my brothers and sisters; Thou wouldst have me love them, and I do love them.’' Above all, love the dear Sisters to whom God’s Own Hand has bound you; bear with them, cleave to them, and cherish them in your heart, my dear child. Be sure that I take a most special interest in your progress, — God has willed it so.

CToe.] evil.