4 none might complain of these regulations, her own father and mother, M. and Md. Arnauld were likewise included. An occasion of enforcing this rule soon after presented itself. A little after Easter a prófession took place. A large assemblage of company from Paris, were, on this occasion, attracted to Port Royal to witness the ceremony. Not one person was admitted into the interior of the house. This rule, which, though strictly enjoined by their order, now appeared, from disuse, like an innovation, excited many murmurs, which the nuns endeavored to appease, by observing, that, in the first place, it was a necessary conformity to a solemn vow; and, secondly, that even the very nearest relations of the abbess would be treated precisely in the same manner.* M. Arnauld could but seldom visit his daughter at Port Royal, on account of his professional avocations; so that the Mother * See note, page 50. Angelica's constancy was not likely to be put to the test before the recess of the Palace. At length, however, the vacation drew near, and, with it, the time of his accustomed visit.* After many internal difficulties and con.flicts between her duty and strong natural affection, being fully convinced that no permanent reformation would ever be effected, unless she set, herself, an example of separation from the world; she wrote a long and very respectful letter to her mother, telling her the state of her mind. She said, that having, by the divine grace, been taught to see the necessity of a thorough reform; and, by the same grace, found a willing mind in her nuns to embrace the regular discipline and enclosure they had vowed to maintain; she entreated both her and her father not to place any obstacles in her way, and not to be displeased if she entreated the favor of them that, in * See note, page 50. the event of their intending her the honor of a visit at the approaching vacation, they would not take it amiss if she received them in the parlor, instead of inviting them, as heretofore, into the interior of the monastery.* But that, if they should feel any repugnance to comply with this condition, she intreated them, in that case, rather to deprive her of the honor of their visit, because, she was obliged to forewarn them, she should then be under the very painful necessity of refusing them admission.* Madame Arnauld imparted her daughter's letter to her husband; he smiled, never imagining that a child who was so tenderly attached to him, would ever summon up sufficient constancy to execute her intention.* He immediately fixed a day to go to Port Royal with his family.* Himself and Madame Arnauld, with his son, M. Arnauld d'Andilly, and his two daughters, Mde. le Maitre and M1le. Anne Arnauld, formed the party.* The M. Angelica was informed of their intention, which she learned with painful dismay; as, in all things, she had ever shewn her parents implicit obedience. Nevertheless, she knew that He who had commanded her to quit all and follow him, has declared, that whoso loveth father or mother more than him, is not worthy of him. She prepared herself by supplication and prayer, and by the entire sacrifice of her natural feelings, for this day of bitter trial.* The struggle was severe, but it did not shake her fidelity towards God.* The day of test at length arrived. Early on the Friday morning before Michaelmas day, the M. Angelica received intelligence that her family had set out. She immediately ordered the keys of admission to be *See note, page 50. delivered into her own hands, by the nuns to whose care they were usually confided. She then went into the church, and pros trated herself before God. After a flood of tears, she earnestly besought him to prepare her heart, and fortify her with the strength necessary not to betray his cause; to enable her to struggle through the severe conflict at hand, letting his grace overcome nature, and upholding her to maintain the truth he had committed to her, even against those whom she held most dear.* Whilst she was yet engaged in prayer, a distant sound of carriages was heard on the brow of the hill, and winding along the avenue; and, a moment after, a loud and redoubled knocking at the grand entrancegate, announced the company were come. The M. Angelica, who, on the first sound of the carriages, had arisen and gone to the gate, herself opened the wicket.* M. Arnauld commanded her to throw * See note, page 50. |