Letter 62. To a Lady

Sfpt. 12, 1617.

I HAVE been really ill, my dear child — ^very ill, though without danger. What more could you have done, if you had known it? for I know you constantly pray for me, as indeed ' I ever remember you in my poor prayers, and when celebrating Mass. I am still somewhat languid, and have not shaken oflf the signs of illness, though able to return to my usual duties.

Be stedfast, my dear child; aim at being God's servant as perfectly as possible. Be very watchful

SPIRTUAL LETTERS OP as to gentleness. I do not bid you love that which you ought to love, I know you do so, but I bid you strive to be even, patient, and gentle. Control the ebullitions of your natural temperament, which is somewhat over-quick and eager.

I do not know why you should be dissatisfied as to your confessions; you make them very properly. Now be at peace before God, Who has so long loved you, filling you with His Holy Fear and Love, If hitherto you have not sufficiently corresponded to His Grace, there is ample remedy for you in doing so more heartily in future. You should not be siuprised at your own weakness and frailty, God knows it all; and He never rejects the firail, but rather turns their weakness to His Glory.

I wish I had a heavy hammer wherewith to pound away the edges of your mind, which are too sharp for your spiritual progress I I have often told you that devotion must be pursued in good faith, and on a broad scale. If you do well, thank God for it; if ill, humble yourself. I know that you would not willingly do ill, and our other faults ought only to be a cause for self-humiliation.

Now do not be fearful any more, and do not tret yom poor conscience. You know that all you need is to seek the Lord's Love, and to give Him yours.

Do this, my dear child, and diligently cultivate gentleness and inward humility. I ceaselessly wish every blessing for you; above all, that you may be humble, gentle, and kind, and that you may turn your troubles to good by accepting them lovingly for love of Him Who has suffered so much for love of you. In Him I am, my dear child, yours most affectionately, &c.

[398.] LXV.