(1) Be convinced that exactness in rising is one of the most important practices in the Company and that as the day begins so the rest of the day continues; (2) give yourselves sincerely to God on going to bed in the evening, asking Him for the strength to overcome yourselves in the morning and to obey His voice without delay.

Vincent de Paul

I thank God that you know the art of tearing yourself apart - I mean the way to humble yourself truly by recognizing and realizing your faults. You are right in believing yourself to be as you describe and to be most unsuitable for any kind of duty; it is on this foundation that Our Lord will base the execution of His plans for you.

Vincent de Paul

humble believe art

It seems to me that the best way will be the one that is most gentle and forbearing, which is more in conformity with the Spirit of Our Lord and more apt to win hearts.

Vincent de Paul

winning heart way

I have never come away from you without reflecting that the Spirit of God and His holy workings reside in you.

Vincent de Paul

holy spirit faith

[P]resent misfortune presupposes good luck in the future.

Vincent de Paul

resent good-luck wisdom

He also always blesses humble beginnings much more than those accompanied by a lot of show.

Vincent de Paul

bless humble faith

Laws must never be made compatible with crimes, no more than lying should be in harmony with the truth.

Vincent de Paul

wisdom law lying

You say you experience great difficulty in the mission. Alas! Monsieur, there is no lot in life where there is nothing to be endured.

Vincent de Paul

missions difficulty wisdom

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.

Vincent de Paul

taken faith order

God has seen fit that, since our services are useful to many persons, everyone approves them, but only when they are carried out in the spirit of Our Lord.

Vincent de Paul

fit spirit faith

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.

Vincent de Paul

wisdom heart mean

[L]et us work to rid ourselves of our attacks of over-zealousness especially when it offends against respect, esteem, and charity.

Vincent de Paul

esteem values charity

...it is difficult to master one's feelings and be exact in everything in the midst of many affairs

Vincent de Paul

affair wisdom feelings

God has great plans for you, directed towards helping you do what Jesus Christ did when He was on earth. This requires you do resist temptation vigorously, with special confidence in the assistance of His Divine Goodness. Courage then, Monsieur. Be faithful to Him, and the Divine Goodness will be favorable to you.

Vincent de Paul

temptation faith jesus

[I]n order to raise a soul to the highest perfection, He allows it to pass through dryness, brambles, and combats, causing it thereby to honor the times of weariness in the life of His Son, Our Lord, who suffered various kinds of anguish and abandonment.

Vincent de Paul

faith order son

Our Lord and the saints accomplished more by suffering than by acting.

Vincent de Paul

acting suffering faith

[I]f the gentleness of your spirit needs a dash of vinegar, borrow a little from Our Lord's spirit. O Mademoiselle, how well He knew how to find a bittersweet remark when it is needed!

Vincent de Paul

wisdom littles needs

It is no wonder you are tempted; on the contrary, it would be something new if you were not, because man's life is nothing but temptation, and no one is exempt from it, especially those who have given themselves to God; his own Son even passed through this trial. But if it is necessary for everyone, it is also a source of merit for those to whom God grants the grace of turning all things to good, as you do.

Vincent de Paul

faith men son

[I]t is His good pleasure that we remain always in the holy joy of His love.

Vincent de Paul

his-love charity joy

Remember, Monsieur that roses are not gathered except in the midst of thorns and that heroic acts of virtue are accomplished only in weakness.

Vincent de Paul

thorns weakness rose

I am the only wretch who keeps on heaping new iniquities and abominations on myself. O Monsieur, how merciful God is to put up with me with so much patience and forbearance, and how weak and miserable I am to abuse his mercies so greatly!

Vincent de Paul

abuse miserable faith