Charles GOUNOD, philosopher on divine virtues. 1877.

Charles GOUNOD (1818.1893).

Autograph letter signed to a lady.

Three octavo pages on paper with his name.

No place. February 1 ^, 1877

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Dear Madam,

Your letter gave me the greatest joy, that of knowing that I was lucky enough to do you a little good: in the end, that is the only thing that matters in life, and our baggage will only consist of what we have given of ourselves. “He who keeps his soul will lose it, and he who gives it will find it.”

It's quite simple: giving is the only act by which we can resemble God; and to resemble him is infallibly to take the road that leads to him, since it is to follow the path that he followed: it is to be his, since it is to be his instrument.

Yes, you are right; my time is very busy , especially at the moment, and I hardly have the freedom to see the friends who are dear to me: but good always finds its time and its place, and the privilege of all that is life and that makes one live is to be able to give itself in an instant.

Have confidence, then; for, however little I see you, I have the intimate conviction that I will do you good. Remember, then, those admirable words of the woman who had been sick for years: “If I can only touch the edge of His Robe, I will be cured!” How quickly! So the master immediately said: “Someone has touched me; for I felt that a virtue was coming out of me.” We are all this edge of the divine robe, and there are moments when we feel ourselves absolutely conductors of an electricity from above.

Farewell; I repeat what I told you; I am yours with all the desire and all the hope of being of benefit to you. Ch. Gounod.