Part 1 (1/2)

Light and Peace.

by Carlo Giuseppe Quadrupani.

PREFACE.

These _Instructions for Pious Souls_, now published in English under the t.i.tle _Light and Peace_, were written in 1795 by the ill.u.s.trious and saintly Barnabite, Padre Quadrupani. They contain a summary of spiritual guidance for earnest Christians in the ordinary duties of life in the world. The author had formed his own spirituality on the model presented by the life and teaching of St. Francis de Sales, and in this little book he reflects the wisdom, prudence and sweetness of that ”gentleman Saint.”

The work has pa.s.sed through uncounted editions in its original Italian, and through a large number of editions in both the French and the German translations. An English translation was published many years ago, but besides its present rarity, its many imperfections warrant the belief that a new rendition will not be unwelcome. The translator has, moreover, been encouraged by the persuasion that the maxims of Father Quadrupani are specially adapted to the American character. Unlike many foreign religious works, whose spirituality often fails to touch the Anglo-Saxon temperament, this author's teaching is decidedly practical and practicable, and appeals in every way to the common sense and fits in with the busy, matter-of-fact life of the average American Catholic.

The present translation has been made from the twentieth French edition and has been collated with the thirty-second edition of the original Italian published at Naples in 1818. The many recommendations from the Episcopacy of France prefixed to the French translation are here omitted, as the Introduction by the Most Reverend Archbishop of Philadelphia is abundant testimony to the doctrinal solidity of the work.

I. M. O'R.

Overbrook, PA.

INTRODUCTION.

G.o.d's attributes being infinite and our intellects limited and also darkened by the fall, we see these attributes only in part and ”as afar off and through a gla.s.s.” In contemplating His awful sanct.i.ty, we are overwhelmed with fear and forget His ineffable mercy. Our views are also greatly influenced by our natural temperaments, whether joyous or sad, and change with our environments and moods.

As the blue firmament is ever the same, so is the great G.o.d Himself-”the King of Ages immortal and invisible, without change or shadow of vicissitude.” But as the clouds that hang as veils of the sanctuary are movable and variegated, now dark and gloomy and again brilliant in silver or gold, now opening into vistas of the firmament above and again closing in darkness, except when arrows of light pierce them and show their outlines, so are we variable and inconstant and need spiritual direction adapted to our peculiar wants. The naturally joyous, hopeful and sometimes presumptuous, need that wholesome fear of the Lord which is ”the beginning of wisdom.” The const.i.tutionally severe, scrupulous and almost despairing, need to remember G.o.d's tender paternal character and to learn that ”His mercies are above all His works.” To such souls this little book must prove invaluable. Its theology is sound, as the various episcopal approbations testify. Hence its statements can be entirely trusted. The fact that it has pa.s.sed through twenty editions in French is sufficient evidence of its appreciation in that country. May it continue its holy mission of light and consolation and joy in this country and act like the angelic messenger to Peter in prison, liberating the soul from the chains of doubt and despondency, illuminating her by the light of G.o.d's holy truth and bringing her out of the darksome prison into the company of the confiding, prayerful, joyous saints of G.o.d.

P. J. RYAN.

PART FIRST.

EXTERIOR PRACTICES.

I.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION.

For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Ghost. (S. Mark, xiii, 11.)

1. It is absolutely true that in matters of conscience obedience to a spiritual director is obedience to G.o.d, for Christ has said to His ministers on earth: ”He that heareth you, heareth Me.” (St. Luke, x, 16.)

2. A soul possessed of this spirit of obedience can not be lost: a soul devoid of this spirit can not be saved. (St. Philip Neri.)

3. Saint Bernard says there is no need for the devil to tempt those who ignore obedience and permit themselves to be guided by their own light and deterred by their fears, for they act the devil's part towards themselves.

4. Do not fear that your director may be mistaken in what he prescribes for your guidance, or that he does not fully understand the state of your conscience because you did not explain it clearly enough to him. Such doubts cause obedience to be eluded or postponed and thus frustrate the designs of G.o.d in placing you under the direction of a prudent guide. It was the priest's duty to have questioned you further had he not fully understood you, and that he did not do so is a positive proof that he knew enough to enable him to p.r.o.nounce a safe judgment. G.o.d has promised his special help to those who represent Him in the direction of souls. Is not this a.s.surance enough to induce you to obey with promptness and simplicity as the Holy Scripture commands?

5. G.o.d does not show the state of our souls as clearly to us as he does to him who is to guide us in his place. You should be quite satisfied, then, if your director tells you the course you follow is the right one and that the mercy and grace of your Heavenly Father are guiding you in it. You should believe and obey him in this as in all else, for as St.

John of the Cross tells us, ”it betrays pride and lack of faith not to put entire confidence in what our confessor says.”