“[Cross] Ludovicus de Ponte. [Cross]
“Valladolid, March 23, 1621.
Postscript—“By God's help I have finished a great work. Its title is, Expositio Moralis in Canticum Canticorum, containing exhortations on all the mysteries and virtues of the Christian religion. It is divided into two volumes, and each volume into five books. The arrangement is new and singular, but not without [pg ccviii] foundation in the Sacred Text. The matter is grave in itself, and very copious, taken out of Holy Scripture and the holy Fathers. The style is humble, but clear and chaste, and not out of harmony with matter that is spiritual and sacred, and therefore elevated. It is printed at Paris, and will soon reach Germany and Belgium. Would that it may be to the glory of God, the edification of the Church, and of use to one's neighbour.”
The other letter from the same Father was written in reply to one from Father Gerard announcing that he was about to leave Belgium.
“I. H. S.
“P.C.
“May the Almighty and most pitiful Lord accompany you in the journey that you begin, for with such a Guide and Companion you will be everywhere safe and cheerful, and making true progress. Let Him ever dwell in your memory, understanding, and will, for His most sweet providence especially protects those who make their journeys from obedience to Superiors, as Jacob did, who at his father's bidding journeyed through the desert into Mesopotamia, where he heard the voice of the Lord, which said to him, ‘I will be thy Keeper whithersoever thou goest.’ Trusting to this hope, and protected by this guardianship, you will happily fulfil what you have begun.
“I commend myself to your Reverence's Sacrifices and prayers, for my weakness oppresses me much; but may the will of God be done in me and about me in all things and by all things, to Whom concerning all things be glory for ever. Amen.
“[Cross] Ludovicus de la Puente. [Cross]
“Valladolid, Feb. 2, 1622.”