PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) - Lot 140

PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) Lyon, February 7, 1828 - Autun, February 10, 1906. Oratorian, bishop of Autun, cardinal and French historian. L.A.S. on the letterhead of the Bishopric of Autun, Autun, February 1, 1898; 2 pages in-8. Beautiful letter of spiritual consolation addressed to a bereaved friend following a family death. Perraud gravely evokes "the imminence of the sacrifice" imposed on his correspondent and testifies to his deep compassion: "I knew with what affectionate veneration you surrounded the late wife". The letter then takes on a religious and meditative tone characteristic of the author. The prelate draws human mourning closer to the teachings of the Christian liturgy, and quotes from memory the Office for the Dead: "Vita mutatur, non tollitur" and "Dissoluta hujus terrestris habitationis domo, aeterna in coelis habitatio comparatur". Through these formulas, Perraud develops a reflection on the permanence of the soul and Christian hope in the face of the disappearance of loved ones. The whole reveals a correspondence of great moral elevation and sincere humanity. A very interesting letter from a leading French cardinal, combining personal consolation, theological culture and pastoral spirituality. Good condition. Usual central folds, slight marginal wear.