Letter 83. To the Abbess Angelique, of Port Royal

Annecy, Feb, 4, 1620.

.... It is something gained that you are more exact in the observance of your rule. God formed man first of the dust of the ground, and afterwards He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living souL Our Lord teaches us that humiliations often are the means of leading us to humility. If you are stedfast in what is external, by degrees the interior spirit will follow.

Indeed, my daughter, I understand how you are enthralled by all these suggestions of vanity; they are fostered by the fertility and subtlety of your imagination, but why need you trouble about them? When the birds of the air swooped down upon the sacrifice which Abraham ofiered to God, he “drove them away.” * And so, my daughter, a simple utterance of some holy words will drive away these thoughts, or deprive them of all their power to hurt “ O Lord, forgive this child of the old Adam, for she knows not what she does.” Or sing softly, “ He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek.” But make all such acts quietly and simply, as for love, not in a spirit of strife.

Accustom yourself to speak quietly, to walk quietly, to do everything quietly and gently, and you will see that in three or four years all this eagerness and hiury will be quite overcome. But to do this you must make a habit of doing things quietly, even when there is no particular reason for being eager: going to bed, getting up, sitting down, eating, talking with your Sisters; in short, never allow yourself intentionally to set aside the rule.

I know very well that you will break it many times a day, and that your impetuous temperament will burst forth often; but never mind so long as it is not deliberate, or with the consent of your will, and jGcn. XV. ii.

that so soon as you become conscious of your excitement, you strive to still it

Be very watchful as to whatever can give offence to others; if you fail in this respect, strive to repair the mischief as promptly as possible. All these little jealousies are unimportant; indeed, they may be useful, because they show you your own love of self, and teach you to make acts of the opposing virtue.

1:534.] LXXXVI.