Naturally, everyone is disheartened by sharp reprimands, and by the most amiable corrections as well, if they are frequent, immoderate, or given inappropriately.
Noise makes no good, good makes no noise.
God always gives a great blessing to humble beginnings than to those that start with the chiming of bells.
If you must be in a hurry, then let it be according to the old adage, and hasten slowly.
If you think something should be done, take the trouble to write to me about it, and together we will decide the time and manner of doing it.
What you are saying is true of those who want everything to give way to them, nothing to oppose them, everything to go their way, people to obey them without comment or delay and, in a manner of speaking, to be adored.
You can give me no greater consolation nor render greater service to your neighbor than to place yourself in a condition to serve him for a long time.
Remember, Monsieur, that the downfall of most Communities comes from the cowardice of Superiors in not holding firm and in not purging them of the troublesome and incorrigible.
Remember the maxim of the Romans which states that by union and counsel we can achieve anything.
If you say that a good reputation serves to benefit the neighbor more, I admit that. However, since it should be based on a good life, it is, therefore, preserved by the practice of virtue and not by human intrigue.
It is not light they need but strength, and strength permeates through the external balm of words and good example.
You say you experience great difficulty in the mission. Alas! Monsieur, there is no lot in life where there is nothing to be endured.
Remember, Monsieur, that Saint Augustine says that a person who does not obey the doctors is doing his best to kill himself.
It is not easy to find perfect men in whom there is nothing to criticize.
If the Company takes my advice, it will always be preserved through this maxim, for if we are good, we will not lack any, and if we are not, we already have too many houses anyway, and can hardly fill the few we have.
There is nothing good that does not meet with opposition, and it should not be valued any less because it encounters objections.
Since you know the means of getting better, in the name of God, make use of them. Do not take on anything beyond your strength, do not be anxious, do not take things too much to heart, go gently, do not work too long or too hard.
Man’s condition is never the same; he is humbled, then exalted; sometimes at peace, sometimes persecuted; enlightened today and plunged into darkness tomorrow. What is to be done? As I said, let us be prepared for whatever may happen.
Laws must never be made compatible with crimes, no more than lying should be in harmony with the truth.
Nevertheless, when one is ill, one should be submissive to the doctor and obey him.