Perfection consists in a constant perseverance to acquire the virtues and become proficient in their practice, because on God's road, not to advance is to fall back since man never remains in the same condition. Vincent de Paul More Quotes by Vincent de Paul More Quotes From Vincent de Paul 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. Vincent de Paul speak honor faith 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. Vincent de Paul faith mean hands ... bear with him as Our Lord bore with His disciples, who gave Him good reason to complain - at least, some of them did. Yet, He allowed them to remain in His company and tried to bring them around gently. Vincent de Paul faith bears complaining Experience teaches that what is feasible at the beginning is sometimes harmful as things go on, or subject to troublesome inconveniences Vincent de Paul wisdom goes-on sometimes I have heard that M. Guesdon is dictating lessons to his seminarians. This is contrary to the custom of the Company and a somewhat ineffective way of teaching, since the students rely on their notes and do not exercise either their judgment or their memory, In this way, their minds remain empty while they pile up papers which they will perhaps never look at again. Vincent de Paul wisdom teaching memories 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. Vincent de Paul wisdom house advice God has granted me today a very particular fondness for requesting of Him that same virtue of ever choosing the worst and that which is contrary to my own liking. Vincent de Paul granted virtue today With whose imperfections will you bear, and what insult are you capable of enduring, if a thoughtless word from your own Superior is unbearable? Vincent de Paul unbearable imperfection wisdom In order to become soundly virtuous, it is advisable to make good practical resolutions concerning particular acts of the virtues and to be faithful in carrying the out afterwards. Without doing that, one is often virtuous only in one's imagination. Vincent de Paul faithful imagination order 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. Vincent de Paul leadership writing thinking . . . [T]hese [ideas] are only suggestions of the evil spirit who, to jeopardize your salvation, suggests to you extraordinary works that are beyond your strength, under the fine pretext of practicing, on your own, the spiritual and corporal works of mercy . . . Vincent de Paul spiritual faith ideas Without [firmness] I see the majority of Communities that are lax reach that state because of the excessive leniency of Superiors. So, be firm, Monsieur. Vincent de Paul majority community leadership I see that you are not sure of what you should do. You must remain steadfast, Monsieur. It would be a great wrong for you to leave and an irreparable scandal to the town and the Company. If you were to abandon the house, I do not think people would ever be willing to welcome us back. Fear not; calm will follow the storm, and perhaps soon. Vincent de Paul faith people thinking It will be most pleasing to O[ur] L[ord] if you husband your strength in order to serve Him better. Vincent de Paul husband faith order