In this way, through experience they will be formed adequately, will be encouraged, and will be capable of rendering service to God.
I have never made any distinction between those who have taken vows and those who have not; some should not be overburdened in order to spare others.
Three can do more than ten when Our Lord puts His hand to things, and He always does so when He takes away the means of doing otherwise.
If you do not see any good in these persons, then say nothing, but if you do see some, speak about it to honor God in them because all good proceeds from Him.
If we want to find the manna hidden in our vocation, let us restrict and confine all our desires within it.
In the name of God, Monsieur, let us have greater confidence in Him than we do; let us allow Him to steer our little bark; if it is useful and pleasing to Him, He will save it from shipwreck.
Oh! how happy the man of means who uses his wealth and his life for the greater glory of God, from whom he has received them!
To this end, we should help and support one another and strive for peace and union among ourselves. This is the wine that cheers and strengthens travelers along the narrow path of Jesus Christ.
Be acted upon rather than active. In this way, God will do through you alone what all men put together could not do without Him.
There is a vast difference between an Apostolic life and the solitude of the Carthusians. The latter is truly very holy but is not suited to those whom God has called to the former, which is in itself more excellent.
You know, Monsieur, that, although the contemplative life is more perfect than the active life, it is not, however, more so than one which embraces at the same time contemplation and action, as does yours, by God’s grace.
I have never come away from you without reflecting that the Spirit of God and His holy workings reside in you.
He is greatly honored by the time we take to weigh with mature deliberation matters having to do with his service, as are all those with which we deal.
Our Lord and the saints accomplished more by suffering than by acting.
Let us reflect that we shall always do God’s Will and He will do ours when we carry out that of our Superiors.
Would that God, Monsieur, had rendered us worthy of spending our lives, as Our Lord did, for the salvation of those poor souls so far removed from all assistance.
God uproots the vine that He Himself has not planted.
So, do not dwell any longer on what you are, but consider Our Lord close by you and within you, ready to put His hand to the work as soon as you call upon Him for help, and you will see that all will go well.
May God be pleased to make it known to you, and fill you increasingly with His Spirit, so that through you it may be poured into the souls you guide, and your own soul may be more greatly sanctified!
Peace is worth far more than anything they might take from you.