_ 47 _ tions or presents, accept on condition that you motivate them to what is useful for the salvation of their souls. If they invite you to eat, go there and, in return, invite them to make their confession to you. If they have no desire to lend assistance in spiritual matters, drop a hint. When I say that you should not accept anything, I do not mean that you should refuse small things like water, fruit and suchlike, which, if you do not take them, cause offence. Do not accept large items. If they order a mass of things for you to eat, you will send them either to the sick, to prisoners or to other needy people. Let everyone know that you give away the small items you receive, so that, in this way, people will be edified more than if you did not accept things, because they take it as an insult when you do not accept the small gifts The Portuguese in India cause offence when they refuse everything. As for where you lodge, consider what would be most convenient: in the hospital, in the Holy House of Mercy or in a cottage near the church. Should it so happen that I call you from Japan, in such an event you will write to the Rector of that house saying
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