Bruté, Father Simon, Emmitsburg, Maryland, to Catherine Josephine Seton, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 1820s

He thought so much of Mrs. Elizabeth Seton her mother's daily 118th psalm that he went to copy down verses for her. Her mother will pray for her. He kneels in the choir of this earth before the tabernacle of divine mysteries, the joy of her Mother who is happy before the throne, lost in the praise and love which they aspire to. He hopes she is actually in Heaven but in the humble and wise spirit of the church she says she does not know. Only the worldly, presumptuous affirm so. Even in view of the tender mercy of their crucified Lord, they we think of God's infinite holiness and their meek use of grace. They find out "just any farther trial awaits them as expiation and purification." But they rejoice that the good souls are safe in union with the adorable will and are helped by their prayers. And the more acceptable and fervent prayers of these saints in turn are offered for us. If he wants to see Josephine saved, then how much more her holy mother. Anna and Bec should also be saved. Josephine should be good. She may say he is forever carrying her to the other world. This is true. Indeed, as he told her, he is no friend for her in the ways of this life but rather is it his consecrated concern to teach that these little things if done in grace can bring her great merit. Grace is God's tender support and mercy and the love of offering and suffering and the blood of Jesus. It is the presence of the Lord to one's soul, incessantly, every moment. Her mother used to speak of "the grace of the moment." He hopes Josephine aspires humbly for it and obeys it perseveringly all her life till Eternity. Even if her mother is actually in heaven they do not know it and should pray for her in charity. There is a note beneath the outside address and in another hand. It says Josephine's baptismal name was Catherine, her confirmation name, Josephine. It is signed, Robert Seton. :: II-1-a A.D. 3pp. 12mo., 2