Page: Quotes, Philip Neri (1515-1595), Quote Author, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
In the spiritual life there are three degrees: the first may be called the animal life; this is the life of those who run after sensible devotion, which God generally gives to beginners, to allure them onwards by that sweetness to the spiritual life, just as an animal is drawn on by a sensible object. The second degree may be called the human life; this is the life of those who do not experience any sensible sweetness, but by the help of virtue combat their own passions. The third degree may be called the angelic life; this is the life which they come to, who, having been exercised for a long time in the taming of their own passions, receive from God a quiet, tranquil, and almost angelic life, even in this world, feeling no trouble or repugnance in anything. Of these three degrees it is well to persevere in the second, because the Lord will grant the third in His own good time.
— Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
Discipleship, Page: Quotes, Philip Neri (1515-1595), Quote Author, Quote Topic
The true servants of God endure life and desire death.
— Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
Page: Quotes, Philip Neri (1515-1595), Prayer (answered), Quote Author, Quote Topic
When a spiritual person feels a great calmness of mind in asking anything of God, it is a good sign that God either has granted it, or will do so shortly.
— Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
Page: Quotes, Philip Neri (1515-1595), Quote Author, Quote Topic, Spiritual (life)
Reading the lives of the Saints is a great means to preserve piety.
— Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
Page: Quotes, Philip Neri (1515-1595), Spiritual (life)
The man who loves God with a true heart, and prizes him above all things, sometimes sheds floods of tears at prayer, and has in abundance of favors and spiritual feelings coming upon him with such vehemence, that he is forced to cry out, “Lord! let me be quiet!” But a man ought not to seek for these sweetnesses and sensible devotions forcibly, for he will be easily deluded by the devil, and will run a risk of injuring his health.
— Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
Page: Quotes, Philip Neri (1515-1595), Spiritual (life)
The fervor of spirituality is usually very great in the beginning, but afterwards, the Lord … makes as though He would go farther: in such a case we must stand firm and not be disturbed, because God is then withdrawing His most holy Hand of sweetnesses to see if we are strong; and then, if we resist and overcome those tribulations and temptations, the sweetnesses and heavenly consolations return.
— Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
