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Silence is not an absence. On the contrary, it is the manifestation of a presence, the most intense of all presences.
“Charity is then the bond of perfection,736 since in it all the perfections of the soul are contained and assembled, and since without it, not only can one not have the whole array of virtues, but one cannot even have the perfection of any virtue. Without the cement and mortar which fasten the stones and walls, the whole edifice goes to rack; were it not for the nerves, muscles and sinews, the whole body would be undone; and without charity the virtues can never sustain one another.”
― The Saint Francis de Sales Collection [15 Books]
― The Saint Francis de Sales Collection [15 Books]
“The proper education and instruction of children will do much toward making them more free and habituated to the practice of virtue, since thus they will be accustomed to follow the sure and safe guiding star of reason from its first dawn.”
― The Mystical City of God: Complete Edition Containing all Four Volumes with Illustrations
― The Mystical City of God: Complete Edition Containing all Four Volumes with Illustrations
“All holiness is adverse and contrary to the applause, honors and estimation of the world, and I decreed that the most pure Mary should not be burdened by them, nor do I desire that my friends should enjoy or be pleased with them. If for my glory it sometimes happens that they become known to the world, it is not because they have desired it or looked for it; but because they, always remaining in the humility and in the sentiment proper to their state, resign themselves to my Providence. For themselves and as far as they are concerned, they seek and love that which the world despises and which the incarnate Word and his most holy Mother strove after and have taught." This was the answer which the Lord gave to my wondering inquiry and thus did He instruct me in regard to what I should seek and strive after.”
― The Mystical City of God: Complete Edition Containing all Four Volumes with Illustrations
― The Mystical City of God: Complete Edition Containing all Four Volumes with Illustrations
“All virtues separated from charity are very imperfect, since they are not able without it to arrive at their end, which is to make us happy. Bees in their birth are little grubs and worms, without feet, without wings, and without shape; but in course of time they change, and become little flies; afterwards waxing strong, and being come to their growth, they are said to be formed, finished and perfect bees, because they have all that is wanted for flying and for making honey. The virtues have their beginning, their progress, and their perfection; and I do not deny that without charity they may be born and even grow; but that they should come to their perfection, and bear the name of formed, fashioned, and accomplished virtues, that depends on charity, which gives them the strength to fly in God, and to collect from his mercy the honey of true merit, and of the sanctification of the heart in which they are found.”
― The Saint Francis de Sales Collection [15 Books]
― The Saint Francis de Sales Collection [15 Books]
Matt’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Matt’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
217 books
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218 friends
2,289 books
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185 friends
1,015 books
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49 friends
624 books
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48 friends
752 books
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183 friends
358 books
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52 friends
1,263 books
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195 friends
426 books
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333 friends
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