Very Rev. Father,
I most humbly thank you for the trouble you have taken in writing me so full an account of what it has pleased Our Lord in His goodness to operate in this privileged soul,[A] and of the favourable judgement which the Archbishop of Sens and the Rev. Fathers de Condren and de Suffren have formed of her. I do not think that it would be advisable at present to seek further evidence, lest, as you say, the peace of her spirit might thereby be disturbed. As for me, knowing as I have done for a long time the true humility, simplicity, and sincerity of this soul, it seems to me almost impossible to doubt that what passes in her is from God. From her infancy, preventing graces have been evident in her—graces quite exceptional in one of her age; and when received into this house she, from the very first, manifested in all her actions the true virtues of religion, and as she can herself tell your Reverence, God led her by very rare lights and sentiments of devotion to seek Him alone. I see by her letter to me that she does not wish to remain inactive, and this comes from the ardent desire that she has to please God. But I think, my Rev. Father, that all she has to do is to leave herself in Our Lord's hands, simply regarding Him without the distraction of any other thought. God will give you the light requisite for the guidance of this holy soul, since He has placed her under your care and direction. Indeed she is fortunate in having met your Reverence, who takes such a paternal interest in her, and there is good reason to praise God. The divine Goodness will recompense you abundantly, besides which I believe, very Rev. Father, that this charge is light and comforting to you. Do not forget to remember in the Holy Sacrifice her who desires for you the most pure love of our Lord, and who is truly,
Yours, etc.
[A] Mother Anne Marguerite Clément.
LXXXVIII.
To Sister Marie Aimée de Morville, at Moulins.
Vive ✠ Jésus!
Annecy, 1632.
I have just come from holy communion, my dearest daughter, at which I blessed and thanked the God of infinite goodness for the loud call with which He has been pleased to bid you turn back to Him, and I besought Him with all the energy of my soul to keep so firm a hold upon you that nothing ever again may draw you away. For this I hope, dearest daughter, through His grace and your faithful co-operation. I cannot but think that your heart is too good ever to forget His superabundant mercies to you. Ponder often on that counsel given by both the Princes of the Apostles; Labour in fear and trembling by good works to make sure your vocation.[A] Your past miserable experience ought surely to make you tremble, and fearful of again falling, and very watchful in avoiding all occasions of temptation, especially those which you know to be most prejudicial, such as conversations, intimacies, affections, and communications with the outside world, and even with spiritual persons unless rarely and from true necessity. Then will it be your delight to find contentment in the instructions you will receive from the good Mother (Marie Angélique de Bigny), who has a singular love for you, and is besides both capable and full of charity. Her tears, fasts, austerities, and prayers so frequently offered to God on your behalf will, I doubt not, have touched His heart, and helped to achieve your conversion. To her will be given without fail every help requisite for your happiness, and by means of her will His Goodness lead you in the straight path. I have a strong belief that those who submit not themselves to the guidance of their Superiors submit not to God. In a word, apply yourself to do rather than to learn; this is my wish for you. We have in abundance holy and solid instructions in the Institute. For none better could we wish, and none are better adapted to lead us to the great perfection that our vocation demands. May the study and the practice of them henceforth be your delight. To this I conjure you so that by means of them you may offer to the divine Goodness fruits worthy of His mercy and to the Institute the perfume of a holy and sincere conversion. Thus will be assuaged the sorrow and shame that by your past disorders you have made it suffer, and all our hearts will be filled with consolation. So much do I feel consoled by the generous acts you have made[B] that my displeasure at the past is all gone, and I assure you you are now within my heart, where I cherish you most truly and affectionately, and believe me you will receive from all of the Institute and from me nothing but proofs of love and affection.
I think it would be well some months hence, when you have given yourself time to test your perseverance, that you should give testimony of it to the houses of the Institute by some humbly written note, to make satisfaction for your past misconduct. You have done well, dearest daughter, in giving yourself unreservedly to God. His Providence will not fail you nor permit you to be in want of anything. If the good sister who used to serve you is worthy of the favour you desire for her, most willingly can it be granted, but not till she has proved her perseverance in well-doing for some years. I pray God to shed abundantly upon you the assistance of His grace.