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Chronological History of Vincentian HistoryChapter XVI: Appendix IIIVincent de Paul Speaks to the Congregation of the Mission (1632-1658)Thanks to the work of work of Rev. Rafael Villarroya, C.M. which Fr. Mitxtel Olabuegna, C.M. edited posthumously and Fr. Charles T. Plock CM who translated and provided the references to English langauge works we have here a collection of sayings of Vincent directed to the Congregation. (For further details see the Introduction to this work.)
All of the texts in this chapter are taken from the Conferences of Saint Vincent de Paul, Compiled by Pierre Coste, C.M. and translated by Joseph Leonard, C.M. This work was edited by the Eastern Province, U.S.A., Philadelphia, Pa., 1963. I had difficulty locating a few of the conferences and where this occurred an explanation is given. 1 Let us give ourselves wholly to God to serve Him in the vocation to which He has been pleased to call us (A Summary of Advice Given During the Annual Retreat of 1632, p.105). 2 It is by no means advisable to praise an individual, save rarely and prudently and never in his presence (A Summary of Advice Given During the Annual Retreat of 1632, p.106). 3 Whenever anyone asks anything of the Superior, he should be prepared to be refused and cheerfully welcome the refusal, in case it is given (A Summary of Advice Given During the Annual Retreat of 1632, p.107). 4 To avoid as the plague of Communities all manner of cabals, partialities and special friendships (Advice Given During the Annual Retreat of 1635, p.107). 5 Never to attempt to make useful friends, and therefore to avoid visits to, and conversations with, persons qualified to be so or ask them to write to us (A Summary of Advice Given During the Annual Retreat of 1632, p.107). 6 Never to accept any gift whatsoever, no matter how great or small it may be (A Summary of Advice Given During the Annual Retreat of 1632, p.108). 7 If there are persons of an unmortified, quarrelsome, discontented spirit in a Community, it is those who never gave admonitions, because they were afraid of being admonished themselves (At Chapter, October 29, 1638, p.109). 8 Community life should image the mode of life of the early Christians (At Chapter, October 29, 1638, p.110). 9 In this vocation we are in close conformity with our Lord Jesus Christ, who it would seem, made his chief care, on coming into the world, to help the poor and to take care of them: “He sent me to evangelize the poor” (On Perseverance in One’s Vocation, October 29, 1639, p.111-112). 10 Because of the union that exists between the members of the same body, whatever is done by one member, is shared by the others (On Perseverance in One’s Vocation, October 29, 1639, p.113). 11 We should be on our guard against turning this reading [of the New Testament] into a study…. [rather] we should read only for our spiritual progress (Chapter, January 19, 1642, p.116). 12 We should live in a state of self denial, that is, we should cut, hew, hack and put off the attachments we might have for little things, and even for certain prayers (Conference, February 19, 1642, p.117) 13 Each of us should choose the lowest place for himself in the belief that.... what every individual thought of himself should be applied to the Company, for we should believe it to be the least and last in the Church of God (Repetition of Prayer, March 18, 1642, p.118; Repetition of Prayer, November 1, 1657, p.398; Synopsis of a Conference, p.804). 14 Superiors and spiritual guides are, as it were, the breasts that should nourish others. When the canal of our house is broken, we have no water. So we should pray to God that no obstacle be found in the canals, which are Superiors and Directors (Chapter, June 27, 1642, p.123). 15 How contemptible and unworthy of an upright mind is the habit of criticizing everything…. How I wish that this holy custom should always flourish among us: to approve of all things…. I would most assuredly value that more highly than all the missions, sermons, work for the ordinands and all the other blessings God has bestowed on the Company inasmuch as the image of the Most Blessed Trinity would be more deeply engraved in us (On the Union Among the Houses of the Company, June 27, 1642, p.125). 16 Knowledge is essential…. [and] those who are learned and humble are the treasure of the Company…. How hard it is to meet a man who is both humble and learned! Nevertheless, learning and humility are not incompatible (Repetition of Prayer, October 21, 1643 [Translator’s note: The Spanish edition gives October 21, 1643 as the date of this Repetition while the English edition gives October 1642. I have used the date in the Spanish edition but simply not here the two different dates that are given], p.129-230). 17 It is necessary to study in such a way that love shall go hand in hand with knowledge (Repetition of Prayer, October 21, 1643, p.131). On various occasions we were on the point of dismissing Monsieur Bourdaise, because we had decided that he had not sufficient knowledge to remain in the Company (Repetition of Prayer, November 25, 1657, p.408). The same could be said of Monsieur Belleville (On the Virtues of Mathurin de Belleville, September 7, 1657, p.390). 18 For those endowed with intellect have much to fear: Scientia inflat and the sate of those who are not so gifted is still worse (Repetition of Prayer, October 21, 1643, p.131). 19 To labor for the salvation of poor country-folk is the essential point of our vocation, everything else is accessory (Repetition of Prayer, October 25, 1643, p.136). 20 What reason we have to tremble if we are home birds; if on account of age or pretext of any infirmity, we slow down and allow our fervor to decrease (Repetition of Prayer, October 25, 1643, p.137). 21 Just as our Lord’s head was obliged to wear a crown of thorns to redeem us, so too were his feet obliged to bear and endure the nails with which he was fastened to the cross (Repetition of Prayer, October 25, 1643, p.138-139). 22 There is another difficulty in maintaining oneself in the state of virtue which one possessed before taking up office, at least unless one labors unceasingly at annihilating oneself before God and mortifying oneself in all things (On Duties and Positions of Authority, 1644, p.140). 23 The state of ruling and governing is so evil that of itself and of its own nature is entails a certain malignity, a vile accursed stain…. Something malignant which infects a man’s soul and all his faculties so that… he has all the difficulty in the world in submitting his judgment and he criticizes everything (On Duties and Positions of Authority, 1644, p.141). 24 When God calls us to an office, He either sees that we have the proper dispositions for it or is resolved to bestow them on us (On Duties and Positions of Authority, 1644, p.143). 25 Love is infinitely inventive (Exhortation to a Brother Who was Dying, 1645, p. 147). 26 The state of temptation is a happy one and a day spent in that state would acquire more merit for us than a month spent without temptations (Repetition of Prayer, 1645, p.150). 27 Water in a pond, because it is always at rest, is stagnant, muddy and putrid whereas….. the water of fountains and rivers, which flows among rocks and stones, is always sweet and pleasant. Now who would not prefer to be a river, at this price, than a pond (Repetition of Prayer, 1645, p.151) 28 Our mind is like a little vase with a very narrow orifice; if water is poured in gradually, drop by drop, it enters without loss (Repetition of Prayer, [undated], p.153). 29 Let us be of one mind and one will. If we are not we will be like two horses hitched to a wagon who pulled in one direction and then in another and at the end everything was destroyed (On Charity and Unity [the end of 1646], p.71 [Translator’s Note: I have been unable to find this conference in the English edition there the title, date and page refers to the Spanish edition of the Conferences]). 30 I know quite well that some [Orders] have their own reasons for acting more dictatorially, but, as far as the Congregation of the Mission is concerned, I do not believe and I do not see, that that is the spirit in which it ought to act or that, if it does so, it will gather much fruit (On Retreats for Ordinands, p.154). 31 The Eucharist is our daily bread and Our Lord invites us to ask him for this bread.... we have reason to weep and be saddened when we see how so many have turned away from this devotion because of new opinions and theories concerning the Eucharist (On Frequent Communion, 1649, p.72-73 [Translator’s Note: I have been unable to find this conference in the English edition there the title, date and page refers to the Spanish edition of the Conferences]). 32 Monsieur Duval said: See how these good folk compete against us for the gate of Paradise and it is they who win it (On the Virtues of Brother Simon Busson, October 1, 1649, p.155). 33 If God has granted any grace to the Little Company it is because we have tried to persuade others to join us. God does not want us to make our will and desires His will and desires. Let us be content to cooperate with Him. Believe me if we do this, His Divine Majesty will bless us.... Let us be content with the subjects God will send us (On how to Deal with Those Making a Retreat [not dated], p.81 [Translator’s Note: I have been unable to find this conference in the English edition there the title, date and page refers to the Spanish edition of the Conferences]; On the virtues of Mathurin de Belleville, September 7, 1657, p.391). 34 Judge according to the evangelical maxims (On how to Deal with Those Making a Retreat [not dated], p.81 [Translator’s Note: I have been unable to find this conference in the English edition there the title, date and page refers to the Spanish edition of the Conferences]). 35 Vincent had never entertained any sentiments of vain complacency because his judgment was in conformity with that of the Church (On the Condemnation of Jansenius, June, 1653, p.157). 36 Never wish to be accommodated in every respect, but to be quite content to be always in need of something (On Poverty, October 16 and 23, 1654, p.160). 37 The state of missionaries is an apostolic state, which consists, as did the state of the Apostles, in leaving and abandoning all things to follow Jesus Christ, and to become true Christians (On Poverty, October 16 and 23, 1654, p.163). 38 This is how God acts. After persons have rendered him notable services, he loads them with crosses, afflictions and contempt (Extract from a Conference, 1655, p.173). 39 To act in this way [mortified and obedient] is to publish the truths and maxims of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to bear witness to His truth and holiness (Extract from a Conference, 1655, p.174). 40 It is written that he who will live a holy life must suffer persecution; I suffer nothing, and therefore I am not holy (Repetition of Prayer, April 11, 1655, p.176). 41 [The Pope] has given us the Most Holy Trinity as a Patron (On the Feast of the Blessed Trinity, May 23, 1655, p.178). 42 Reason enables us to see the beauty of an object, but for all that, it does not give us the object itself…. Indeed, it is one thing to see an object, and another to possess it (Repetition of Prayer, May 27, 1655, p.181). 43 It is a great mistake to think that if you went to confession and communion less often, you would be better disposed for them (Repetition of Prayer, July 14, 1655, p.189). 44 A community that has once grown lax and abandoned itself to disorder can never return to the first state of perfection from which it has fallen away (Repetition of Prayer, July 14, 1655, p.189). 45 The slothful said: “Why go to such trouble? Let us give up, let us give up all those cures of souls, all this teaching and let us be content with the choir alone; let us retain two-thirds of the tithes of the cures and give the remaining third to a perpetual Vicar (Repetition of Prayer, July 14, 1655, p.190). 46 Slothful, cowardly missionaries, full of love of their own comfort and ease…. look upon them as an Anti-Christ (Repetition of Prayer, July 14,1655, p.191). 47 God is order. God and order are the same thing (Repetition of Prayer, July 20, 1655, p.197). 48 We are living on the patrimony of Jesus Christ, on the sweat of the poor. The poor feed us, so let us pray to God for them (Repetition of Prayer, July 24, 1655, p.198). 49 Monsieur Duval, a great doctor of the Church, used to say that an ecclesiastic should have more work to do than he could get through, because as soon as sloth and idleness get a grip on an ecclesiastic, all the vices pour in from every direction (Repetition of Prayer, July 24, 1655, p.199). 50 The Congregation of the Mission can do all things because we have within us the germ of the omnipotence of Jesus Christ, and therefore no one is excusable on the ground of powerlessness (Repetition of Prayer, July 24, 1655, p.200). 51 Our Lord Jesus Christ is the true model and the great invisible picture on whom we should model all our actions. The most perfect men, now living on earth, are also visible and sensible pictures, which serve us as models by which we should regulate our actions and render them pleasing to God (Repetition of Prayer, August 1, 1655, p.208). 52 Although God commands us to love him with our whole heart and with all our strength, in his goodness he does not desire that this should go so far as to injure and ruin our health through making all those acts. No. God does not wish us to slay ourselves in that fashion (Repetition of Prayer, August 4, 1655, p.213-214). 53 Very often the devil tempts us in this way. When he cannot directly induce us to commit evil, he inclines us to do more good than we can accomplish. And he overloads us so that we are crushed beneath a weight that is too heavy and a burden that we cannot bear (Repetition of Prayer, August 4, 1655, p.215-216). 54 I would not wish to go to God, if God did not come to me (Repetition of Prayer, August 4, 1655, p.217). 55 God hears us quite well without our speaking to Him. He sees the secret springs of our hearts, and he knows everything we feel, down to the smallest detail (Repetition of Prayer, August 4, 1655, p.218). 56 There are some who do not profit by a retreat at all; they come here out of necessity and only to have a good time. But we must not on that account desist from helping others (Repetition of Prayer, August 10, 1655, p.225). 57 Poverty is the prop of Communities. The Holy Fathers say that it is the fortress wall of all religious Orders; it is their rampart; it is what defends and preserves them (On Poverty, August 13, 1655, p.227). 58 This is the first reason why we should love holy poverty --- the word we have pledged to our Superior --- through which, if it is not kept, a man is dishonored forevermore and becomes the most infamous of all men (On Poverty, August 13,1655, p.230), 59 [A missionary without the spirit of poverty] already belongs to the world in his heart and affections. Only his corpse belongs to the Congregation of the Mission (On Poverty, August 13, 1655, p. 234). 60 The accursed spirit to have everything that can satisfy our sensuality is never satisfied (On Poverty, August 13, 1655, p.240). 61 A missionary will never be a missionary without the virtue of poverty (On Poverty, August 13, 1655, p.241). 62 Some waste their time in searching for reasons, and passages, and in fixing and arranging them in the mind. This is not really prayer at all; rather it is study (Repetition of Prayer, August 16, 1655, p.245). 63 The spirit of prayer: to become better and to correct our faults (Repetition of Prayer, August 16, 1655, p.245; On Prayer, August 10,1657, p.285 [Translator’s Note: I have been unable to find this conference in the English edition so I simply cite the conference, the date and the page in the Spanish edition]). 64 When the soul in prayer takes fire at once what need is there for reasons? (Repetition of Prayer, August 16, 1655, p.246). There is no need to go looking around for another flint and steel to kindle a flame; the light they have is sufficient to enlighten them (Repetition of Prayer, August 6, 1655, p.246; On Prayer, August 10, 1657, p.284 [Translator’s Note: I have been unable to find this conference in the English edition so I simply cite the conference, the date and the page in the Spanish edition]). 65 I bring forward experience, your own experience. What progress have you not made wherever you preached according to this [little] method?…. There are no sinners whatever whom grace has not touched by means of the little method, and who have not come to throw themselves at your feet begging for mercy (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 20, 1655, p.258). 66 There is great danger for those poor preachers who go no further than beautiful concepts, elegant arrangements of their ideas and the employment of fashionable phraseology, and who make less account of what is more profitable (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 20, 1655, p.259). 67 [The little method] is a virtue which enables us to observe in our sermons a certain disposition and style adapted to the capacity and to the greatest good of our hearers (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 20, 1655, p.261). 68 Perhaps they [preachers] aim at acquiring a reputation, at making people say: “Really that man speaks very well, he is eloquent; he has beautiful ideas; he expresses himself delightfully.” That is what the fruit of his sermons amounts to (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 20, 1655, p.263). 69 Take heed not to undo by your actions what you have established by your sermons; not to destroy with one hand what you have build up with the other. We should preach principally by good example (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 20, 1655, p.264). 70 There are plenty of sermons preached every day in this great city; plenty of courses of Advent and Lent sermons. Point out to me one man … who has become a better man on that account (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 20, 1655, p.266). 71 All the conversions they make is that their hearers say: “Oh yes, that man knows all about it; he says beautiful things (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 20, 1655, p.267). 72 I am always too long-winded. I am always wasting time. I am a burden to others, just like a big animal (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 20, 1655, p.268-269). 73 Simplicity converts everybody. It is most certain that, thoroughly to convince and win men’s minds, it is essential to act simply (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 20, 1655, p.271). 74 If the intellect does not comprehend it [the words], all soon passes away, and the discourses remain useless (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 20, 1655, p.271). 75 That man works wonders; he preaches like a missionary; he preaches like an Apostle…. Indeed to preach otherwise is folly; it is to wish to preach oneself and not Jesus Christ (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 20, 1655, p.271). 76 We are like those who carry the sack, those poor simpletons who do not know how to say anything, those little gleaners who come after the great missionaries. Let us give thanks to God that he has been pleased to accept our services in the field (Repetition of Prayer, August 22, 1655, p.275-276; On Humility, [undated], p.747 [Translator’s note: I have been unable to find this conference in the English edition so I simply cite the conference, the date and the page in the Spanish edition]). 77 We ought always to come down to particulars, clearly point out acts in detail, and it is in that the greatest fruit will, as a rule, be found. The mind then proposes to itself such an act on such an occasion, and such another on another occasion; always in detail as far as possible (On the Method to be Followed in Preaching, August 22, 1655, p.282-283). 78 Humility is not contrary to nobility of mind (Repetition of Prayer, August 25, 1655, p.287; Repetition of Prayer, November 11, 1656, p.345). 79 It is the depravity of the ecclesiastical state that is the chief cause of the ruin of the Church of God (On Priests, September, 1655, p.293). 80 It is to us that God has confided this great grace of contributing to the re-establishment of the ecclesiastical state (On Priests, September, 1655, p.295). 81 Does it not seem as if God intends to transfer his Church to other lands? Yes, if we do not change, it is to be feared that God may deprive us of Her [the Church] completely (On Priests, September, 1655, p.294; News from Poland – God’s Design on the Spread of His Church, September, 1656, p.332). 82 It is an infallible maxim of Jesus Christ that as soon as ever a heart empties itself of self, God will replenish it (On Priests, September, 1655, p.296). 83 The Son of God came to preach the gospel to the poor. What happiness to do on earth what our Lord did, namely, to teach the poor the road to Heaven (On Conformity to the Will of God, October 15, 1655, p. 299). 84 A religious is said to be in a state of perfection, not that he is perfect. Although a religious should have done what our Lord said – that is to say, should have sold all his good and given them to the poor – still he is not perfect on that account, although he may be in a state of perfection (Repetition of Prayer, October 17, 1655, p.301). 85 Whoever says missionary says savior. We are called to save souls: that is why we are here (A Eulogy on the Zeal of Jean Le Vacher, [undated], p.304). 86 When we go to visit the poor we should enter into their sentiments so as to suffer with them and adopt the disposition of the great Apostle who said: I became all thing to all people (On the Spirit of Mercy and Compassion, August 6,1656, p. 321). 87 Do not allow us to make bad use of our vocation, and do not take away the spirit of mercy from the Company (On the Spirit of Mercy and Compassion, August 6,1656, p. 322). 88 Grande opus. Neither philosophy, nor theology, now discourses influence souls. It is essential that Jesus Christ be intimately united with us…. Hence human industry is here of no avail unless God is intimately united with it…. It is therefore essential for you to empty yourself of self in order to put on Jesus Christ…. [If you are] only animated by a human spirit, those who will see, hear, and study to imitate him will become utterly human (Instruction give to Monsieur A. Durand, who had been Appointed Superior of the Seminary at Agde, 1656, p.323-324). 89 An important point…. is to establish a close union between yourself and our Lord in prayer. That is the reservoir in which you will receive the instructions you need to fulfill your duties (Instruction give to Monsieur A. Durand, who had been Appointed Superior of the Seminary at Agde, 1656, p.324-325). 90 I give you this advice [concerning prayer] not only for those difficulties which cause you pain but also that you may learn from God directly what you shall have to teach (Instruction give to Monsieur A. Durand, who had been Appointed Superior of the Seminary at Agde, 1656, p.325). 91 Other recommendations to Monsieur Durand: prayer for your subjects, grow in humility and simplicity, depend greatly on the guidance of the Son of God, and conform yourself in every respect to the rules and holy customs of their Congregation (Instruction give to Monsieur A. Durand, who had been Appointed Superior of the Seminary at Agde, 1656, p.325-328). 92 It is the duty of a Superior to provide not only for spiritual things but also to extend his care to temporal ones (Instruction give to Monsieur A. Durand, who had been Appointed Superior of the Seminary at Agde, 1656, p.329). 93 Whenever there is a question of doing a good work, say to the Son of God, “Lord, if you were in my place, what would you do? How would you instruct the people? How would you console this illness of body or mind?” (Instruction give to Monsieur A. Durand, who had been Appointed Superior of the Seminary at Agde, 1656, p.327). 94 Courageously maintain the possession of the Church and the interests of Jesus Christ and, in addition, labor unceasingly to win new victories for Him and to make Him known even to the most distant races (News from Poland – God’s Design on the Spread of His Church, September 1656, p.333-334). 95 In prayer there should be little reasoning, but much prayer; much, very much prayer (Repetition of Prayer, October 18, 1656, p.335-336). 96 No one shall compete the seminary course and his studies without knowing how to chant (Repetition of Prayer, November 2-3, 1656, p.340). 97 It will always be a great charity on our part to instruct the poor people, whoever they may be and we should allow no opportunity of instructing them to pass if it can possibly be done (On the Duty of Catechizing the Poor, November 17, 1656, p.357-358). 98 God loves the poor and consequently He loves those who love them (On the Love of the Poor, January 1657, p.366). 99 Let us go then and devote ourselves with new love to serve the poor, and even seek out the poorest and most abandoned. Let us confess before God that they are our lords and masters and that we are unworthy to render them our little services (On the Love of the Poor, January 1657, p.367). 100 What you should fear are sins of the intellect , because one seldom gains a victory over them (On the Virtues of Brother Jourdain, April 27, 1657, p.372). 101 What a wretched and deplorable state! To prefer to rely on one’s own wretched brain, one’s deceptive judgment, rather than submit to what the Pope has ordained (On the Virtues of Brother Jourdain, April 27, 1657, p.372). 102 At this [the death of missionaries in Madagascar] we must bow our heads and adore the utterly wonderful and incomprehensible ways of Our Lord (Repetition of Prayer, August 30, 1657, p.386). 103 Let us give thanks to God for the graces He has given the dear departed [missionaries at Genoa] (Repetition of Prayer, September 23, 1657, p. 395). 104 It is by no means enough to do what God asks of us, but we should, moreover, do it for the love of God. We should do the will of God and do this will of God according to His will (Repetition of Prayer, November 11, 1657, p. 400). 105 Nature demands only change and, if we were to believe her, she would continually persuade us to seek for change; but she must be withstood (Repetition of Prayer, November 11, 1657, p.401). 106 When we speak of the Company we should not make use of such phrases as the holy Company, the holy Congregation, or other equivalent and dignified terms, but employ such expressions as the Company, the Little Company (Repetition of Prayer, November 25,1657, p.403). 107 If we have not humility, we have nothing.... if the glory of God is not purely sought after, we then preach ourselves. We do not preach to others.... {We] commit a sacrilege (Repetition of Prayer, November 25,1657, p.404). 108 Not only must we do good, but we must do it well (Repetition of Prayer, November 25,1657, p.405). 109 When I returned from a Mission, it seemed to me that when I got back to Paris the gates of the city should fall upon me and crush me. [I felt this way because there were] other villages waiting to receive from me what I had just given to this or that village (Repetition of Prayer, November 25,1657, p.407-408). 110 Whoever would exactly observe all that is contained in this book [of Rules] would attain great perfection, although it would appear that all the practices recommended are ordinary and accommodated to human weakness (On the Observance of the Rule, May 17, 1658, p.414). 111 The Company strives to imitate Jesus Christ, not only by doing what He came on earth to do, but also by doing it in the way He did (On the Observance of the Rule, May 17, 1658, p.416). 112 You will find nothing new in [the Rule], nothing that you have not been doing for many years with great edification (On the Observance of the Rule, May 17, 1658, p.416). 113 It is a principle of Saint Augustine that, when the cause of a thing cannot be discovered, it should be referred to God, and He should be recognized as its principal and author (On the Observance of the Rule, May 17, 1658, p.417). 114 When we set out [on a mission], we used to give the key to one of the neighbors, or begged him to sleep in the house at night. However, when I went I had only one sermon, which I manipulated in a thousand different ways: it was on the fear of God (On the Observance of the Rule, May 17, 1658, p.418-419). 115 The Community exercises, how were they introduced? Little by little, I don’t know how. Conferences for instance.... and repetition of prayer, something unheard of in the Church of God, and one that has since been introduced into several well-regulated Communities (On the Observance of the Rule, May 17, 1658, p.419). 116 We should hope for all sorts of.... blessings from the goodness of God [if we] shall faithfully observe the rules He has given us: blessing on our person, blessings in what we undertake.... in short, blessings on all that concerns us.... There is great reason to fear that [if we] do not observe these rules.... [we] will incur God’s malediction (On the Observance of the Rule, May 17, 1658, p.420-421). 117 What the eye sees affects us much more than what the ear hears, and we rather believe in a good that we see than in one of which we only hear (Repetition of Prayer, 1658, p.426). 118 It is my intention always to call you my brethren in the future and not gentlemen (On Detachment from the Goods of this World, June 8, 1658, p.429). 119 Wretched man, infamous that I am! A beggar, a swine-herder, riding in a carriage, oh! what a scandal (On Detachment from the Goods of this World, June 8, 1658, p.429-430; On Uniformity, [Common Rules, Chapter II, Article 11, May 23, 1659, p.573). 120 Let us preach Jesus Christ....; let us say what we have to say simply, humbly, and kindly, but firmly and charitably (On Detachment from the Goods of this World, June 8, 1658, p.432). 121 As soon as they [the ordinands] shall not see humility, simplicity, and charity shining in the Company, they will no longer come here because, as far as learning is concerned, they have far more of it than we (On Detachment from the Goods of this World, June 8, 1658, p.432). 122 Whoever says missionary say a man who has God alone in view, his own salvation and that of his neighbor (On Detachment from the Goods of this World, June 8, 1658, p.433). 123 Put your trust in God. He does not wish the end without the means; and if He asks you for the one, He will give you the other (Repetition of Prayer, June 9, 1658, p.435). 124 We should consider that those who are afflicted with sickness in the Company bring a blessing on that same Company and on this House (On the Good Use of Infirmities, June 18, 1658, p.437). 125 What are we to say of [those obsessed with illness] save that they are men attached to themselves, men with the spirit of little girls, men who are unwilling to suffer anything.... As if bodily infirmity was a state to be shunned when Our Lord is pleased to place us in it! (On the Good Use of Infirmities, June 18, 1658, p.437-438). 126 To be too easy on oneself, to coddle oneself for the least pain that befalls us, O Savior, that is something we should get rid of (On the Good Use of Infirmities, June 18, 1658, p.439). 127 Francis de Sales used to say that he would much rather subject himself to the will of a hundred persons than to subject one single person to his own.... [He would say:] when I consider what my mind has been occupied with, a thousand useless things, and I know not how many silly trifles, I find it hard to bear with myself and I think I deserve to be hanged at Montafaucon (On Forbearance, July 5, 1658, p.441-442). 128 Those Sisters will be our judges at the Judgment of God, if we are not prepared, like them, to risk our life for God (Repetition of Prayer, August 4, 1658, p.446). 129 A person who begins to drink, and to drink wine beyond what he needs, falls into the state of a beast, nay even worse than that of a beast — a creature lower than a beast (On Temperance, August 23, 1658, p.447). 130 The Company of the Mission is not exempt from this vice, and God has allowed Satan to tempt some.... [To confront this problem we shall] reduce the quantity of wine.... It is also a mistake to think that the stomach needs wine to digest food (On Temperance, August 23, 1658, p.448-449). 131 There are some who are saints and who lead a saintly life, and yet they have not always the gift of governing.... The gift of governing resides in the judgment; that is to say, a sound judgment is needed to guide and rule.... We see many young men who have a greater gift for governing than many old men and seniors (On Indifference to Employments, August 30, 1658, p.453). 132 I have also learned from experience that a person who has held office, and still retains the spirit and the desire to rule, has never been either a good subject or a good Superior (On Indifference to Employments, August 30, 1658, p.453). 133 Afflictions that are disagreeable in themselves, nevertheless contribute to the healthy state of a soul and of a Company (On the Loss of the Farm at Orsigny, September, 1658, p.457). 134 Why should we too not rejoice in the loss of our property.... [For though] we are made a spectacle to the world by the shame and disgrace of this verdict, which proclaims us as unjust holders of the goods of others, yet God takes great pleasure in seeing us assembled here together for the purpose of conversing about it and encouraging one another to rejoice (On the Loss of the Farm at Orsigny, September, 1658, p.457-458). 135 He who does not possess this virtue of silence will never do anything but waste time.... talking about matters that are useless and very frequently, harmful to the soul (On Silence, September 20, 1658, p.461). 136 Our Lord Jesus Christ, having been sent into the world to save the human race, began first of all to do and then to teach (On the End of the Congregation of the Mission [Common Rules, Chapter I, Paragraph I], December 6, 1658, p.596). 137 The Eternal Father applies us to the works of His Son, who came to preach the Gospel to the poor.... There is not in the Church of God a single Company which has the poor for its portion, and which gives itself so wholly to the poor as never to preach in large cities (On the End of the Congregation of the Mission [Common Rules, Chapter I, Paragraph I], December 6, 1658, p.601). 138 By coming to evangelize the poor, we do not mean to come merely for their salvation, but also for accomplishing the predictions of the prophets and the figures of the Old Law and for the purpose of giving effect to the Gospel (On the End of the Congregation of the Mission [Common Rules, Chapter I, Paragraph I], December 6, 1658, p.605). 139 If there are any among us who think they are in the Congregation of the Mission to preach the Gospel to the poor but not to comfort them, to supply their spiritual but not their temporal wants, I reply that we ought to assist them and have them assisted in very way (On the End of the Congregation of the Mission [Common Rules, Chapter I, Paragraph I], December 6, 1658, p.608).... To do this is to preach the Gospel by words and by works (On the End of the Congregation of the Mission [Common Rules, Chapter I, Paragraph I], December 6, 1658, p.608).... There will be some who will oppose these works, have no doubt about that (On the End of the Congregation of the Mission [Common Rules, Chapter I, Paragraph I], December 6, 1658, p.609).... They will be free thinkers, who ask after nothing but pleasure and amusement, who have only a narrow outlook, who confine their views and designs to a fixed circumference within which they shut themselves up as in a point.... Let us hole fast my Brethren, let us hold fast! (On the End of the Congregation of the Mission [Common Rules, Chapter I, Paragraph I], December 6, 1658, p.612). 140 Let us remain within the bounds of our vocation. We belong to God and if he increases our work, then God will also increase our strength (On the End of the Congregation of the Mission [Common Rules, Chapter I, Paragraph I], December 6, 1658, p.612). 141 The operations of the mind are not effected solely by the mind, which is helped by the stomach, liver and lungs, all of which organs serve the understanding, judgment and other intelligent faculties (On the Members of the Congregation of the Mission and Their Employments, [Common Rules, Chapter I, paragraphs 2 and 3], December 13, 1658, p.618). 142 What an undertaking! To put on the Spirit of Jesus Christ! .... It also means that of ourselves we can do nothing (On the Members of the Congregation of the Mission and Their Employments, [Common Rules, Chapter I, paragraphs 2 and 3], December 13, 1658, p.626). 143 When it is said that the Holy Spirit acts in anyone, we mean that the Holy Spirit, abiding in such a person, bestows on him the same inclinations and the same dispositions as Jesus Christ had on earth, and causes him to act in the same way (On the Members of the Congregation of the Mission and Their Employments, [Common Rules, Chapter I, paragraphs 2 and 3], December 13, 1658, p.627). 144 Each one then should tend to conform himself to Our Lord, to hold aloof from the maxims of the world, to attach himself, lovingly and practically to the examples of the Son of God, who made himself man like us, that we might be not only saved, but saviors, like him — I mean, by cooperating with him in the salvation of souls (On the Members of the Congregation of the Mission and Their Employments, [Common Rules, Chapter I, paragraphs 2 and 3], December 13, 1658, p.631). |
