Letter 88. To the Portress of a Convent of the Visitation

OF THE VISITATION.

My very Dear Daughter, Aug. 2, 1621.

I am very much pleased to hear that you are fixed in the service of the Lord, in the house of His Holy Mother, and in an occupation which I hold to be most edifying. “ I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness.” • Hitherto you have been happy in being able to serve God in the person of a mistress whose Master • Ps. Ixxxiv. II.

He is, and with whom you have had many spiritual advantages; but now you are happier still in serving that same Lord in the persons of those who have given up everything for His Service.

It is a great honour, my dear daughter, to be in charge of a house where the Brides of Christ dwell; for she who keeps the door of a monastery keeps guard over the peace, tranquillity, and devotion of the house, and, moreover, she may have opportunities of edifying those who approach it.

There is nothing unimportant that concerns the service of God, but I hold your charge as portress to be one of great importance and most useful to such as exercise it with thoughtfulness and humility. I thank you for letting me share in your satisfaction. Yours,

C57X.] XCL