Bruté, Father Simon, Emmitsburg, Maryland, to Catherine Josephine Seton, Emmitsburg, Maryland, 1821 February 15

Her question is good for her soul and shows her sincere to know God's will. She should enjoy the peace of such offering of herself to His will. He is also glad to find mother's Mrs. Elizabeth Seton's child with such a disposition, but it is a great responsibility for himself. Though fluctuating in thought he is inclined to tell her to follow her impression and to make a trial of it. He will not fear to entrust his thoughts to her. Her mother Mrs. Elizabeth Seton had only one desire, that God's will be done. Thus her personal desire was conditional on God's. She spoke little of it to her. Josephine knows best. He "almost never- and never" objected to her "excursions to try the World." A fear of the world's disappointments is an equivocal sign. It doesn't do for a vocation. A fear of its dangers is a truer indication. A heart desiring to serve God and live united with Him turns from the world to the safest means of doing so. A desire to secure even in this life the balance of happiness and the least share of mental afflictions, provided it is not precluded by our obligations to others, is worth considering and may concur with an even greater service to our neighbors. St. Paul shows this in Corinthians I, 7. He advises her to read this both for its general meaning and for its application to herself. She should try herself "on the main side of each question." Our Lord's design as explained by the Church is to let the world say anything to the contrary. Men are immortal souls, images of God, brought by Christ into a union in one body. This union may be accomplished in ordinary life. For Christ has made matrimony a sacrament of sanctification if His service is made its last end. Yet another manner of life is higher and preferable. Attention to what is important makes it evident to a religious soul. Without this vocation for the better part one should follow the common way indicated by providence. But when piety calls one should be disposed to follow what is for God's glory and love and the greatest advantage of his soul and those of others. He will continue to help her to make this examination. She is to be prayerful, confident and attentive to her usual duties. :: II-1-a A.L.S. 4pp. 8vo., 1