Letter 52. To Madame De Chantal

.... Do not be disheartened: God will never lose sight of you or your flock, so long as you trust in Him. The door of consolation is strait, but the reward surely follows. Do not let yourself be disgusted, my dear daughter, or allow contradictions to weaken your mind. Whenever was God's service free from contradictions, especially in the beginning of good works? I must, however, tell you honestly that what I fear most in all this is a temptation to set up dislike and aversion between you and N It is a common temptation where two people are brought thus into collision; it is a temptation incidental to the most angelic minds on earth, as we see by its arising even among the greatest saints. Our folly, as children of Adam, will be the ruin of us all, imless we are saved from it through charity.

When I see two Apostles like SS. Paul and Barnabas separating because they cannot agree concerning a third companion, I look indulgently upon these little dislikes, so long as they do not hinder the work, even as the Apostles parting asunder did not hinder their mission. If some such thing happens between you two women, it is no great marvel, always supposing that it does not last But, -all the same, my dear daughter, brace your mind anew, and be sure that what you do is of great consequence. Bear patiently, do not be pettish, soften all asperities; remember that this lady is intending to serve God according to her light, as you are according to yours; and recollect that you ought both to bear with and help one another for the love of Christ Two or three years will soon pass by, but eternity remains.

Your bodily ailments make the matter worse; but you will be strengthened if you call to mind the help promised to those who suffer. Finally, be on your guard against discouragement. Believe me, we must sow in labour, in perplexity, in anguish, if we would reap in joy, in consolation, in happiness. Holy confidence in God softens everything, penetrates everything, establishes everything. I am assuredly yours wholly, my dear daughter, and I do not cease to pray that God will make you holy, strong, stedfast, and perfect in His service. I salute our dear sisters cordially, and intreat them to pray for my soul, which is for ever bound up with yours and theirs in the joy of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus.

LiV.