PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) - Lot 156

PERRAUD (Adolphe Louis Albert) Lyon, February 7, 1828 - Autun, February 10, 1906. Oratorian, ecclesiastical historian, bishop of Autun then cardinal. Important L.A.S. "Adolphe Perraud", Paris, April 9, 1869; 4 pages in-8 on Oratoire embossed paper. A very interesting spiritual and philosophical letter on Christian marriage, faith and religious life, in which Perraud develops a veritable moral meditation addressed to a close correspondent. The future cardinal begins with a benevolent reference to his friend's forthcoming marriage and the need for deep spiritual harmony between the spouses: "God will make you find a companion worthy of you, and capable of sharing with you the noble burden of life". The entire letter is permeated by reflections on faith lived within the couple. Perraud insists on "the agreement of two souls", but above all on the need for a "superior and unique element" enabling the spouses to "pray together, commune together and truly live together this supernatural and divine life". The text then takes on an almost apologetic dimension. Perraud warmly defends the Christian faith as a superior intellectual and moral foundation: "we have the joy of seeing noble intellects and great hearts return to it every day". Finally, he encourages his correspondent to overcome his religious hesitations: "You will pray to obtain this ray of light - that is the true way". A beautiful letter, long and dense, revealing Adolphe Perraud's religious and philosophical thinking in the years preceding his episcopacy. A remarkable testimony to French intellectual Catholicism during the Second Empire. Autograph signature: "Ad. Perraud". Fine condition despite a few folds and minor marginal foxing.