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.

So, we pray well when we remain in this way in the presence of God, with no exertion of the understanding or will. Therefore, you will do well to listen to God in the urge you feel to return to us.

In the name of God, Monsieur, let us not be so little attached to God's service that we yield to a useless fear which may cause us to abandon the task He has given us.

God's affairs are accomplished gradually and almost imperceptibly and His spirit is neither violent nor tempestuous.

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.

If you no longer have any income, you will not be neglected-you will not starve to death. . . . We panic at first, but God does not always allow the evil that is feared to happen.

[N]or should you move so fast! The works of God do not proceed in that way; they come about of themselves, and those He does not create soon perish.

The angels would become incarnate if they could, so that they might come to earth to imitate the example and virtues of the Son of God!

Since God is satisfied with our good will and honest efforts, let us also be satisfied with the outcome He gives to them, and our actions will never be without good results

Since I am a great sinner, I cannot reject those who have been, provided they have good will.

We must be firm but not rough in our guidance and avoid an insipid kind of meekness, which is ineffective.

[E]ven if the whole world should rise up to destroy us, nothing will happen except that God, in whom we have put our hope, will allow.

I will always welcome joyfully any opportunity that comes my way to be of service to you

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.

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.

O Monsieur de Sergis, how important a matter is submission of spirit to a superior!

If God is the center of your life, no words are necessary. Your mere presence will touch hearts.

Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances.

Our Lord is pleased to deprive us of temporal goods; may it please His Divine Goodness to give us spiritual ones!

. . . [R]estlessness usually stems from pride and from being discontented with one's lot in life.

It is not light they need but strength, and strength permeates through the external balm of words and good example.

It will be most pleasing to O[ur] L[ord] if you husband your strength in order to serve Him better.

You say you experience great difficulty in the mission. Alas! Monsieur, there is no lot in life where there is nothing to be endured.

Furthermore, the apostolic life does not exclude contemplation but encompasses it and profits by it to know better the eternal truths it must proclaim