Letter 58. To a Married Niece

Do not think, my dear niece, that it has been forgetfulness or want of affection that has made me delay writing so long. Indeed the earnest desire to serve God faithfully, which I saw in your soul, kindled an equally earnest desire in mine to help you as far as lies in my power, to say nothing of the affection I have always borne you, and the good opinion I have had of you from your childhood.

Well, my dear niece, you must carefully cultivate this precious heart of yours, and spare nothing which will advance its real happiness. This can be always done, but the present season is most suitable. It is a great grace, my dear child, to begin serving God while youth makes us very susceptible to impressions, and the tree which bears flowers as well as its first-fruits is a choice oflering.

Strive to keep stedfast in the resolutions with which God inspired you as you knelt before me in His Presence. If you do but keep them throughout this life, they will keep you throughout the life to come. To this end you can follow the counsels I have written down in the Introduction^ but as you wish it, I will further briefly specify what I wish you to observe.

I. Go to confession every fortnight, and receive the Blessed Sacrament Never go to either of these heavenly mysteries without renewing a fervent resolution to amend all your failings more and more, and to acquire an ever-increasing purity of heart. If you feel drawn by a devout spirit to communicate weekly, do so; and especially if you find that through receiving that sacred mystery your faulty tendencies and the imperfections of your daily life are lessened. I only fixed a fortnightly communion as the longest interval.

II. Let your spiritual exercises be brief and fervent, so as not to weary yourself by over-length. You should always follow the morning exercise given in the Introduction^ but you may thank God for having preserved you through the night in ejaculatory prayer.

whilst dressing; and you may follow the second and third points either then or even before getting up; but then, as soon as you are able, kneel down for the rest. And so with self-examination, you may begin wherever you are, provided the latter parts are said upon your knees. Hear mass reverently and fervently; it is better not to go to Church than to do otherwise.

III. Learn constantly to offer up ejaculatory prayer, and raise your heart to God.

IV. Be careful always to be gentle and affable to every one, but above all at home.

V. \Vhen you can, dispense your alms yourself; it adds greatly to their grace to be given by your own hand.

VI. Visit the sick in your village diligently. This is one of the good works which will be remembered by the Lord at the Day of Judgment

VII. Read a few pages of some spiritual book daily, so as to keep alive a devotional spirit; and on festivals read a little more, instead of a sermon.

VIII. Be very dutiful to your father-in-law. It is God’s Will that you be so; and love your husband heartily, doing all you can to please him in all gentleness and simplicity. Be patient in bearing with the faults of every one, especially in your owi^ home.

I think there is nothing more to be said, except that when we meet again you shall tell me what progress

S. JiRANCIS DE SALES.

you are making in this devout life, as, if there is anything to be added, I will then do so* Live cheerfully in and for God, my very dear child, and believe that I cherish you most tenderly, &c.