CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

1. The precise idea of Christian sanctity

2. Lays down what it is that we have to do in order to accomplish the Will of God 1

3. Distinguishes two kinds of holiness 1

4. Shows that a soul purified from mortal sin really is a holy soul 2

5. Explains what it is that is requisite for the attainment of Christian perfection 5

6. Shows that we should all tend towards Christian perfection 8

CHAPTER II.

SHOWS THAT CHRISTIAN PERFECTION IS NOT A THING TOO DIFFICULT TO BE ACQUIRED, p. 9.

1 Distinguishes two kinds of venial sin 9

2. That faults committed quite inadvertently are by no means to be called sins 10

3. Determines what kinds of venial sin are an impediment to perfect union with the Divine Will 13

4. Shows that it is not too difficult for us to avoid venial sins 14

5. That, in itself it is an easier thing to avoid venial sins of which we are fully aware than it is to avoid mortal sin 15

6. Why it is easier to fall into mortal than into venial sins 17

7. That it is not too difficult for us to seek what is most pleasing to God in things that are themselves indifferent 19

CHAPTER III.

THE DIFFICULTIES USUALLY BROUGHT AGAINST THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DOCTRINES ARE SOLVED, p. 22.

1 That it is not necessary to practise the evangelical counsels in order to attain Christian perfection 22

2. For the attainment of Christian Perfection extraordinary favours are not required 23

3. That God desires the greater part of mankind to be holy for their own sake ; and only some for themselves and for others 26

4. That we cannot aspire to be chosen by God as sublime examples of holiness 31

5. Gives the example of saints who through humility regretted having extraordinary gifts 32

6. Conclusion of the answer to objections 34

7. That human weakness does not render the attainment of Christian perfection too difficult 36

8. That the truly humble should not lose confidence on account of their own weakness 39

9. That bad natural dispositions cannot make it too difficult to acquire Christian perfection 42

10. Shows that it is not too difficult for us to gain the necessary power of self-denial 53

11. Nor is it too difficult to seek in all things what is most pleasing to God 57

12. Neither can the perils of the world nor family cares hinder our sanctification 61

13. Shows that business and laborious work, family cares, and all the other occupations consequent on our condition in life, may be made to assist us greatly in the attainment of Christian perfection 63

14. That albeit we are unworthy, we ought to hope for the grace of sanctity 65

CHAPTER IV.

THE BEAUTY AND UTILITY OF CHRISTIAN PERFECTION, p. 69

1. The beauty of Christian perfection 69

2. The multifarious ways in which Christian perfection is useful. First, in the testimony of a good conscience 71

3. Secondly, in the greater security of being in a state of grace 72

4. Thirdly, the greater security of not losing the grace of God 75

5. Fourthly, the special favour with which God regards those who aspire to Christian perfection 77

CHAPTER V.

ON THE MEANS OF ARRIVING AT THIS MUCH-DESIRED CHRISTIAN PERFECTION, p. 80

1. The first thing to be done in order to attain Christian perfection is to desire it 80

2. This desire should be a resolve, and put immediately into practice 81

3. That we should not relax our efforts because we have not succeeded hitherto 85

4. That prayer insures the efficacy of the good desire 87

5. That the second thing to be done is to have a good spiritual director 89

6. Digression on the encouragement that this doctrine gives to devout souls 92

7. Necessity of obedience to one's spiritual director 100

8. That it is not too difficult a thing to find a good spiritual director, and that if we do not, God will supply the need 103

9. When among various directors a selection can be made, we ought to choose one of the best ; and suggestions are made for instruction on this head 106

10. Prototype of a good director 110

Conclusion 113

APPENDIX.

WHAT SORT OF IDEA THE DEVOUT SOUL SHOULD TAKE CARE TO HAVE ABOUT THE HOLY FEAR OF GOD, p. 115.

1. The holy fear of God should be a calm and tranquil fear 117

2. When the fear of God is not tranquil it impedes what is good, and may do much evil 118

3. On the means of preserving tranquillity of heart 120

4. We ought not to lose tranquillity of heart because we commit faults and even sins 126

5. We ought not to lose tranquillity of heart on account of the uncertainty of our remaining in a state of grace 127

6. Neither should we lose tranquillity from a dread of hidden mortal sin 130

7. Nor from fear that we may not have well repented of the sins of our past life 134