Francis De Sales Quotes
Consider all the past as nothing, and say, like David: Now I begin to love my God.
Those who love to be feared fear to be loved, and they themselves are more afraid than anyone, for whereas other men fear only them, they fear everyone.
Humility consists in not esteeming ourselves above other men, and in not seeking to be esteemed above them.
Do not desire crosses, unless you have borne those already laid upon you well — it is an abuse to long after martyrdom while unable to bear an insult patiently.
There is nothing as strong as tenderness, And nothing as tender as true strength.
A dance is the devil's procession, and he that entereth into a dance, entereth into his possession.
Charity and devotion differ no more, the one from the other, than the flame from the fire.
We can never attain to perfection while we have an affection for any imperfection.
When charity requires it we must freely and mildly communicate to our neighbor not only what is his instruction, but also what is profitable for his consolation.
Let us be what God likes, so long as we are His, and let us not be what we want to be, if it is against his intention.
Every moment comes to us pregnant with a command from God, only to pass on and plunge into eternity, there to remain forever what we have made of it.
The spirit cannot endure the body when overfed, but, if underfed, the body cannot endure the spirit.
Faith fills a man with love for the beauty of its truth, with faith in the truth of its beauty
A good discourse is that from which nothing can be retrenched without cutting into the quick.
I have the same opinion of dances that physicians have of mushrooms: the best of them are good for nothing.
There are no galley-slaves in the royal vessel of divine love - every man works his oar voluntarily!
One of the most evil dispositions possible is that which satirizes and turns everything to ridicule. God abhors this vice, and has sometimes punished it in a marked manner
If we say a little it is easy to add, but having said too much it is hard to withdraw and never can it be done so quickly as to hinder the harm of our success.
I see crosses at every turn. My flesh shudders over it, but my heart adores them. Yes, I hail you, crosses little and great, I hail you, and kiss your feet, unworthy of the honor of your shadow.
Though perseverance does not come from our power, yet it comes within our power.
Is it not a great temptation to be so valiant in imagination and so cowardly in execution?
Do not complain then of your poverty, my daughter, - we only complain of that which is unwelcome, and if poverty is unwelcome to you, you are no longer poor in spirit.
If you have firm trust in God, the success that comes to you will always be that which is most useful for you whether it appears good or bad in your private judgment.
God is merciful to those who want to love Him and who have placed their hopes in Him.
Our possessions are not ours- God has given them to us to cultivate, that we may make them fruitful and profitable in His Service, and so doing we shall please Him.
Be patient, you are in good company. Our Lord Himself, our Lady, the apostles, and countless saints, both men and women, have been poor.
Grace is never wanting. God always gives sufficient grace to whoever is willing to receive it.
The slow pace of our perfection has to be borne with patience, provided that on our part we always do whatever we can to continue advancing.
Certainly all virtues are very dear to God, but humility pleases Him above all the others, and it seems that He can refuse it nothing.
A man who can own pearls does not bother about shells, and those who aspire to virtue do not trouble themselves over honors.
The King of Glory does not reward His servants according to the dignity of their office, but according to the humility and love with which they have exercised it.
Little deeds that proceed from charity please God and have their place among meritorious acts.
Fits of anger, vexation, and bitterness against ourselves tend to pride and they spring from no other source than self-love, which is disturbed and upset at seeing that it is imperfect.
He would never exhort the faithful to persevere if he were not ready to give them the power to do so.
He will unfailingly be pleased with our patience and take note of our diligence and perseverance.
Be patient and one day you will be in Heaven, where there will be only peace and joy ... You will possess an enduring tranquility and rest.
God's favor floats as it were over all this and finds joy in turning all those miseries to the greater profit of those who love Him. From toil He makes patience spring forth.