The Wisdom of Saint Francis de Sales in 20 Quotations
St. Francis de Sales was a brilliant disciple of our Lord whose insights into the ways of God won innumerable souls for the Church. His homilies, letters and works are gems of contemplation comprising a treasury of theological wisdom. May the following quotations from this servant of Christ deepen our love for God.
Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections.
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It is an error, or rather a heresy, to say devotion is incompatible with the life of a soldier, a tradesman, a prince, or a married woman... It has happened that many have lost perfection in the desert who had preserved it in the world.
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There was never an angry man that thought his anger unjust.
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The thoughts of those moved by natural human love are almost completely fastened on the beloved, their hearts are filled with passion for it, and their mouths full of its praises.
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Through devotion, your family cares become more peaceful, mutual love between husband and wife becomes more sincere, the service we owe to the prince more faithful, and our work, no matter what it is, becomes more pleasant and agreeable.
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A quarrel between friends, when made up, adds a new tie to friendship.
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Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
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Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.
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Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.
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Those who love to be feared fear to be loved.
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So many have come to me that I might serve them, leaving me no time to think of myself. However, I assure you that I do feel deep down within me, God be praised.
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A good discourse is that from which nothing can be retrenched without cutting into the quick.
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Friendships begun in this world will be taken up again, never to be broken off.
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The bee collects honey from flowers in such a way as to do the least damage or destruction to them, and he leaves them whole, undamaged and fresh, just as he found them.
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By turning your eyes on God in meditation, your whole soul will be filled with God. Begin all your prayers in the presence of God.
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Half an hour's meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed.
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Reputation is rarely proportioned to virtue.
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While I am busy with little things, I am not required to do greater things.
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When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.
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True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice.
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