the delight of our life, but nevertheless we must not forget our solemn resolution to unite our will wholly to that of God.

How blessed your dear sister is to have seen the hour of her departure come so gradually, and to have been able to make such fit preparation to meet it well. Let us adore God's Providence in this, and say, "Blessed art Thou, for all that Thou willest is good." Oh, my dear child, how lovingly our hearts ought to receive all these little sorrows-hearts which, forsooth, should be fixed and stayed on Heaven rather than earth! I shall pray for her soul, and that all who mourn her may be comforted.

[765.]

CXXVII.

TO A WIDOWED LADY.

MY VERY DEAR MOTHER,

What shall I say to you? It can be but a word, for lack of time. Cultivate a perpetual peace of heart, both internal and external, and strive to be very calm amid the multitude of cares which press upon you. Beware of excitement, which is the bane of true devotion, and continue to keep your soul fixed on high, looking at this world with nought save contempt,— at time only in order to aspire to Eternity. Submit

your will continually to that of God; as ready to adore Him amid tribulation as amid consolation. May God ever be in our hearts, my very dear mother. In Him

I am most unreservedly and in true filial affection your most humble son, &c.

If you would have nothing mar your life, do not seek reputation or this world's glory. Do not cleave to human friendships and consolations. Do not "love your life," but despise all that ministers to mere natural inclinations. Bear all bodily pain or sickness cheerfully, and in perfect submission to God's Will. Be indifferent to the opinion of men. Be much given to silence, and you will find inward peace— there is no other secret by which either you or I can gain that peace, save by bearing calmly with man's judgments. Do not be anxious as to what the world thinks of you; wait for God's Judgment, and your patience will bear witness against those who have judged you. Those who ride in the ring (at a tournament) think less of the bystanders than how best to ride so as to win the prize. Bethink you for Whom you work, and then those who trouble you now will have but little power to do so. Your most humble, &c.

[773.]

CXXIX.

TO A MARRIED LADY.

NEVER imagine, my dearest daughter, that distance can separate those souls which God has united together in His Love. The children of this world are widely separated, because their hearts are fixed hither and thither; but the children of God, whose heart is with their treasure, and whose treasure is God, are indissolubly united in a common bond, and so we must be comforted concerning any separation, but as soon as possible I shall return to my charge. Meanwhile we can meet continually at the foot of the Crucifix, if we remember our mutual promise. Indeed it is there only that all meetings are profitable.

But, my dear daughter, I will begin by telling you that you must in every way strengthen your mind against these idle fears which agitate and torment it so habitually. To this end, first of all try so to regulate your religious exercises as not to weary your own soul, or to inconvenience those among whom God has placed you by their length. Half a quarter of an hour, or less, is enough for your morning preparation; three-quarters of an hour, or an hour, for mass; and through the day you can raise your mind to God without

occupying more than a moment of time; then there would follow your self-examination before supper, besides the ordinary blessings and thanksgivings at meals, which call your heart into union with God. In a word, I would have you do all I have taught Philothée, and no more,—the Introduction was written for you and such as you.

As to society, my dear daughter, be at rest concerning all that is said and done. If it is good, you have cause to thank God: if otherwise, your part is to turn your heart away from what is evil, without affecting surprise or indignation at what you cannot hinder; sometimes even interference does but make matters worse. But you can preserve your own innocence amid the poison which surrounds you, and thus you will be unharmed.

I cannot understand how you can indulge in such unreasonable sadness. A child of God, so long since sheltered in the Bosom of His Love, and devoted to His Service, you ought to be able to find comfort, and to reject all these gloomy distressing suggestions of the enemy, which he brings forth with a view to harass and weary you.

Give good heed to show all becoming humility and gentleness to your dear husband, and to all around you. This is the virtue of virtues, taught us by our Lord Himself. If you fail therein, do not be dis

turbed, but in all simple confidence rise up again, and go on perseveringly in your efforts.

I send you a little plan for keeping up union with our Lord all through the day. This is all I have to say at present, my dear daughter, but pray do not stand upon ceremony with me,-I have neither time nor inclination to do so with you. Write freely to me when you will, I shall always be glad to hear of what concerns your soul, and am, yours, &c.

[774.].

CXXX.

TO A MARRIED LADY.

MY DEAR SISTER AND CHILD,

I AM very glad that you are free from scruples, and that frequent communion is so helpful to you;

by all means go on with it. objects to your going to do not persist in doing so.

But since your husband

N. as a confessor,
You do not require any

very especial help, and almost any confessor would be useful to you. You know how to act, be therefore quite at ease in this matter, only, dear child, be very gentle and obedient to your husband. You are quite right not to be fretted by evil thoughts, so long as your will and intentions are good. God looks at these.