Letter 125. To a Married Lady

Never imagine, my dearest daughter, that distance can separate those souls which God has united together in His Love. The children of this world are widely separated, because their hearts are fixed hitlierand thither; but the children of God, whose heart is with their treasure, and whose treasure is God, are indissolubly united in a common bond, and so we must be comforted concerning any separation, but as soon as possible I shall return to my charge. Meanwhile we can meet continually at the foot of the Crucifix, if we remember our mutual promise. Indeed it is there only that all meetings are profitable.

But, my dear daughter, I will begin by telling you that you must in every way strengthen your mind against these idle fears which agitate and torment it so habitually. To this end, first of all try so to regulate your religious exercises as not to weary your own soul, or to inconvenience those among whom God has placed you by their length. Half a quarter of an hour, or less, is enough for your morning preparation; three-quarters of an hour, or an hour, for mass; and through the day you can raise your mind to God without occupying more than a moment of time; then there would follow your self-examination before supper, besides the ordinary blessings and thanksgivings at meals, which call your heart into union with God. In a word, I would have you do all I have taught Philothde, and no more, — the Introduction was written for you and such as you.

As to society, my dear daughter, be at rest concerning all that is said and done. If it is good, you have cause to thank God: if otherwise, your part is to turn your heart away from what is evil, without affecting surprise or indignation at what you cannot hinder; sometimes even interference does but make matters worse. But you can preserve your own innocence amid the poison which surrounds you, and thus you will be unharmed.

I cannot understand how you can indulge in such unreasonable sadness. A child of God, so long since sheltered in the Bosom of His Love, and devoted to His Service, you ought to be able to find comfort, and to reject all these gloomy distressing suggestions of the enemy, which he brings forth with a view to harass and weary you.

Give good heed to show all becoming humility and gentleness to your dear husband, and to all around you. This is the virtue of virtues, taught us by our Lord Himself. If you fail therein, do not be di^ turbed, but in all simple confidence rise up again, and go on perseveringly in your efibrts.

I send you a little plan for keeping up union with our Lord all through the day. This is all I have to say at present, my dear daughter, but pray do not stand upon ceremony with me, — I have neither time nor inclination to do so with you. Write freely to me when you will, I shall always be glad to hear of what concerns your soul, and am, yours, &c.

I774.I CXXX.