Christian Perfection Articles

I understand that what you wish of me is not merely to establish great principles to prove the need of using your time well...

You should not feel troubled, it seems to me, about the diversions in which you cannot avoid taking part. Many people want to make the worst of everything, and who are upset continually, increasing their loathing of the amusements which they have to endure.

Golden chains are no less chains, than are chains of iron. A person may be exposed to envy and deserves to be pitied for it.

God is ingenious in making us crosses. He makes them of iron and of lead, which are heavy in themselves. He makes them of straw which seems to weigh nothing, and which are less difficult to carry. He makes them of gold and of precious stones...

We do not always need to follow the spirit of mortification and recollection, which tends to withdraw us from social relationships, and we do not always need to pursue our zeal to lead others to God.

You understand that many faults are voluntary in different degrees, even though they are not committed with a deliberate intention of failing God.