(at Angers)<\/p>\n
July 9, 1640<\/p>\n
Monsieur,<\/p>\n
The short distance between La Chapelle and Paris has permitted me to receive the two letters you were so kind as to write to me since your little trip. I humbly thank you for them. I am taking the liberty, Monsieur, of speaking to you about the good intentions of this holy religious. If he had reflected that the best way to teach is to do, he would have told the sister who came to him for advice that God acts in diverse ways in the guidance of souls. But the sisters are in a pitiful mental state from running after different opinions. What does not appear to be sin, can it not be endured by the humble soul who does not fail to make use of it to grow in self-abasement? Would to God that I would do what I say; I would be better if I did. I am not as yet terminally ill, Monsieur. That will come in God\u2019s good time. In the meantime these good gentlemen are carrying out their plan for these poor souls who are in danger of being lost.<\/p>\n
I assure you, Monsieur, I am greatly consoled and in no way will I be displeased if these good girls who had wanted to join us serve in this work, if such be the will of God. My desire to have with us only those who are truly called to this life, without any material consideration, leads me to have no strong feelings in this matter. That, Monsieur, is why I am extremely pleased with the way in which you have handled those who have approached you.<\/p>\n
I am a bit concerned about our sisters because I have not had a letter from them for a long time. They must still not be feeling well. I believe that if Sister Elisabeth<\/span>1<\/sup><\/a><\/span> and the other sisters got used to water and drank a good quantity of it they would be much better. However, we tend to denigrate what we have. In my opinion, Sister Elisabeth will not have a fever again for a good while. I do not think, Monsieur, that there is any danger in letting her resume her activities provided she does not overdo it and takes time, at least twice a day, to go for a walk or work in the garden.<\/p>\n What will you say of the great liberty I take of speaking about everything? It seems to me that this is what your Charity told me to do? That is why I have become in a particular way, Monsieur, your most grateful servant and very humble daughter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"