at Angers<\/p>\n
La Chapelle, Feast of Saint Anne (July 26, 1640)<\/p>\n
Monsieur,<\/p>\n
I am well aware of your frequent trips out of the city and of a certain disorder among our daughters there. I do not know if Monsieur Lambert<\/span>1<\/sup><\/a><\/span> has gone there. If he does so, I humbly beg of you to speak very openly to him of the state of the sisters, individually and as a group.<\/p>\n I praise God with all my heart that this good girl has given herself to the service of the Penitents. I assure you that had I been there and had she sought my advice, I think that I would have tried to persuade her to do the same thing. As you know, when I was there I never spoke to her about remaining with us nor did I do so to others who would have willingly joined us for the sake of this establishment. Is it not reasonable, Monsieur, to serve all souls redeemed by God?<\/p>\n The sisters of Angers are as dear to me as those elsewhere and, if I dared, I would say that they are even a bit dearer. But this is self-interest because of the honor and charity I have received there. So, Monsieur, may the holy will of God be accomplished in us and through us in time and in eternity! I have no thought at all concerning the girls about whom your Charity did me the honor of writing. Perhaps this is because I was waiting for you to be so good as to give me further information about them. I think that I would be almost as hesitant about a person who, for whatever reason, would fear nothing, as about one who, moved by human prudence, would want to be reassured. I also have misgivings about those who have worked as domestics or who live in the city. However, the Spirit of God breathes where it will.<\/p>\n I have not had the honor of seeing the person whom you placed in charge of the Psalms of the late Monsieur de Marillac<\/span>2<\/sup><\/a><\/span>. I do not know if it can still be purchased. His works on Job were never published<\/span>3<\/sup><\/a><\/span>. My son told me that your nephew would be returning soon. I will give him my copy for you if I cannot And another. See, Monsieur, how simply I speak and deal with you. I would be very relieved to know the true situation in Loudun when you get back. Permit me to continue to recommend our poor daughters to your charity. I feel that Monsieur Tonnelier<\/span>4<\/sup><\/a><\/span> will do no harm. Believe me ever in the love of Jesus Crucified, Monsieur, your very humble daughter and obedient servant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"