Letter 33. To a Lady, in Sickness

May 3, 1609.

As to meditation, the doctors are right;

while you are feeble, you must often abstain from it; but to make up for this, you must redouble your ejaculatory prayers, and offer all to God, by perfect acquiescence in His good pleasure; He in no way separates you from Himself, by letting you be thus hindered in meditation; He designs rather to unite you more firmly to Him by the practice of a holy, calm resignation.

What does it matter to us whether we are with God in one way or another? Of a truth, since we seek Him Only, and find Him no less in mortification than in prayer, especially when He la 5 rs sickness upon us, we ought to be equally satisfied with either. Ejacula-' tory prayer, and the upward glances of the soul, are a most true and continual worship, and the endurance of pain is a most worthy oflfering to Him Who saved us through suffering. Let some good book be read to you, from time to time, that will supply the lack of meditation in a manner. As to Communion, go on as usual Do not be disturbed because you cannot serve God in your own way \ you serve Him, while accepting your infirmities, in His Own way, which is far better. May He be ever Blessed and Glorified. Yours, &c.

[176.1 XXXV.