This collection is like the inner life of the Saint unconsciously written by himself. He first practised, and then taught. One is gentle from motives of virtue, only when he possesses moral strength; now we find in these lines the secret of that strength which made St. Francis de Sales the gentlest of men. He admirably inculcates the method of sanctity which he perfectly possessed—a sanctity which seems so easy to realise that we feel a desire to reproduce it. It is the flower which the Spiritual Father causes to bloom in your soul. It will soon bear fruit if you are faithful.
These counsels have been carefully gleaned from the complete collection of the holy Doctor.
MAXIMS AND COUNSELS
OF
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
For Every Day of the Year.
1.
Keep yourself faithfully in the presence of God; avoid hurry and anxiety, for there are no greater obstacles to our progress in perfection.
2.
Cast your heart gently, not violently, into the wounds of our Saviour; have an unlimited confidence in his mercy and goodness.
3.
To make good progress we must devote ourselves to getting over that portion of the path which lies close before us, and not amuse ourselves with the desire to attain the last step before we have accomplished the first.