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If, in order to succeed in an enterprise, I were obliged to choose between fifty deer commanded by a lion, and fifty lions commanded by a deer, I should consider myself more certain of success with the first group than with the second.

Vincent de Paul

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Vincent de Paul
Age: 79 †
Born: 1581
Born: April 24
Died: 1660
Died: September 27
Catholic Priest
Priest
First
Succeed
Deer
Choose
Lion
Groups
Obliged
Second
Lions
Success
Enterprise
Order
Fifty
Certain
Consider
Firsts
Group
Commanded

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Make an effort to serve good bread and good meat and not to sell the better wine so as to serve what is inferior.
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All of you desire to belong entirely to God, and God also wants all of you to belong to Him
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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.
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[E]xcess in the practice of virtue is no less imperfect than the lack of it.
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Peace is never so complete that we may not have something to suffer. . . . Since it is impossible to please all of [those you serve], they offer you the occasion for practices which increase your merit in the measure that you make them meritorious by your patience.
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Experience has shown us that virtue puts down only shallow roots in those who are there for just a short time
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Peace is worth far more than anything they might take from you.
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...it is difficult to master one's feelings and be exact in everything in the midst of many affairs
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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.
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I hope that this man can be won over by your bearing charitably with him, advising him prudently, and praying for him. This is what I do for your family in general and for you in particular.
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There is a vast difference between an Apostolic life and the solitude of the Carthusians. The latter is truly very holy but is not suited to those whom God has called to the former, which is in itself more excellent.
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You say you experience great difficulty in the mission. Alas! Monsieur, there is no lot in life where there is nothing to be endured.
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[I]t is the maxim of the saints that when a matter has been decided in the presence of God after many prayers and the seeking of advice, we must reject and consider as a temptation whatever is suggested to the contrary.
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People are made in such a way that even the holiest ones are liable to offend one another.
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[M]ost people offend God by passing judgment on the things others do, especially important people, not knowing the reasons why they are doing what they do for when one does not know the primary cause of some matter, what conclusions can he draw from it?
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[Do not] overburden yourself with rules of devotion, but persist in doing well those you have, your daily actions, your work in a word, let everything revolve around doing well what you are doing.
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It is true that zeal is the soul of the virtues, but most certainly, Monsieur, it must be according to knowledge, as Saint Paul says that means: according to knowledge of experience. And because young people ordinarily do not possess this experiential knowledge, their zeal goes to excess, especially in those who have a natural asperity.
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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.
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The kingdom of God is peace in the Holy Spirit He will reign in you if your heart is at peace. So, be at peace, Mademoiselle, and you will honor in a sovereign way the God of peace and love.
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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