The will of God is the ultimate and only rule of action. God manifests His will in various ways. The will of God may in some cases be ascertained by the operations of the human mind, especially when under a religious or gracious guidance. But He reveals His will chiefly in His written word. And nothing can be declared to be the will of God, which is at variance with His
written or revealed will, which may also be called His positive will.
–François Fénèlon (1651-1715)
One way to recall the mind easily in the time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquility, is not to let it wander too far at other times. You should keep it strictly in the Presence of God; and, being accustomed to think of Him often, you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer, or at least to recall it from its wonderings.
–Brother Lawrence (1614-1691)
Do not scrutinize so closely whether you are doing much or little, ill or well, so long as what you do is not sinful and that you are heartily seeking to do everything for God. Try as far as you can to do everything well, but when it is done, do not think about it. Try, rather, to think of what is to be done next. Go on simply in the Lord’s way, and do not torment yourself.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
We must not judge things according to our own liking, but according to that of God. This is a great secret, if we are holy according to our own will we will never be truly holy, we must be so according to God’s will.
–Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
If an experience fails to engender humility, charity, mortification, holy simplicity, and silence, etc., of what value is it?
–Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)
It is dangerous for anyone to teach who has not first been trained in the practical life. For if someone who owns a ruined house receives guests there, he does them harm because of the dilapidation of his dwelling. It is the same in the case of someone who has not first built an interior dwelling; he causes loss to those who come. By words one may convert them to salvation, but by evil behavior, one injures them.
–Saint Synkletike (a Desert Mother)
