Page 659 of 1118

"We will leave the ninety and nine sheep," replied the cardinal;

"they are in safety on the mountain. I must now remain with the

one which was lost. These people are perhaps now more satisfied

than if they had the poor bishop with them; perhaps God, who has

visited you with the riches and wonders of his grace, may even

now be filling their hearts with a joy, of which they divine not

the cause; perhaps they are united to us without knowing it;

perhaps the Holy Spirit animates their hearts with the fervour of

charity and benevolence; inspires them with a spirit of prayer;

with, on your account, a spirit of thanksgiving of which you are

the unknown object."