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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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The wisest persons, surprised by some passion, often say things they later regret.
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In a word, we are like the servants of the centurion in the Gospel with regard to the bishops, insofar as when they say to us: go, we are obliged to go if they say: come, we are obliged to come do that, and we are obliged to do it.
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We must be full reservoirs in order to let our water spill out without becoming empty, and we must possess the spirit with which we want them to be animated, for no one can give what he does not have.
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. . . Our Lord humbles in order to raise up, and allows the suffering of interior and exterior afflictions in order to bring about peace. He often desires some things more than we do, but wants us to merit the grace of accomplishing them by several practices of virtue and to beg for this with many prayers.
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O Monsieur de Sergis, how important a matter is submission of spirit to a superior!
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Nevertheless, when one is ill, one should be submissive to the doctor and obey him.
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Good works are often spoiled by moving too quickly. . . . The good which God desires is accomplished almost by itself, without our even thinking of it.
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May God be pleased to make it known to you, and fill you increasingly with His Spirit, so that through you it may be poured into the souls you guide, and your own soul may be more greatly sanctified!
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And what are we doing if we are not doing God's Will?
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Oh! how happy the man of means who uses his wealth and his life for the greater glory of God, from whom he has received them!
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Furthermore, the apostolic life does not exclude contemplation but encompasses it and profits by it to know better the eternal truths it must proclaim
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... I am sure that you are the first to do what you teach them.
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. . . [Y]ou must understand that we have always considered the writing of books a hindrance to our work, and that for this reason the custom was not to be introduced into the Company. However, since no rule, however general, does not have some exception, we shall see whether it is advisable to have yours printed.
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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.
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A doctor who keeps a person from becoming ill deserves more merit than one who cures him.
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There is nothing good that does not meet with opposition, and it should not be valued any less because it encounters objections.
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Naturally, everyone is disheartened by sharp reprimands, and by the most amiable corrections as well, if they are frequent, immoderate, or given inappropriately.
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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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Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying.
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It is not easy to find perfect men in whom there is nothing to criticize.
Vincent de Paul