ANSCAR VONIER, O.S.B., Abbot
DOM DUNSTAN, O.S.B.
3rd March, 1921
JOANNES Ep. Plym.
7th March, 1921
Agent for America
B. HERDER BOOK COMPANY
15 & 17 SOUTH BROADWAY
ST. LOUIS, MO
EDITED BY THE REV. J. RAMIÈRE, S.J.
INTRODUCTION BY DOM ARNOLD, O.S.B.
From the Tenth Complete French Edition
BY
E. J. STRICKLAND
B. HERDER BOOK COMPANY
15 & 17 SOUTH BROADWAY
ST LOUIS, 2, Mo.
"the one chosen shadow of God upon earth." -Father Faber.
Made in England by the Catholic Records Press, Haven Road, Exeter
INTRODUCTION
The Rev. Jean Pierre de Caussade was one of the most remarkable spiritual writers of the Society of Jesus in France in the 18th Century. His death took place at Toulouse in 1751. His works have gone through many editions and have been republished, and translated into several foreign languages.
The present book gives an English translation of the tenth French Edition of Fr. de Caussade's "Abandon à la Providence Divine," edited, to the great benefit of many souls, by Fr. H. Ramière, S. J.
A portion of this remarkable work in English has already appeared in America, but many readers, to whom this precious little book has become a favourite, will welcome a complete translation, especially as what has already appeared m the English version may be considered as merely the theoretical part, whilst the "Letters of Direction" which form the greater portion of the present work give the practical part. They answer objections, solve difficulties, and give practical advice. The book thus gains considerably in value and utility.
It is divided into two unequal parts, the first containing a treatise on total abandonment to Divine Providence, and the second, letters of direction for persons leading a spiritual life.
The " Treatise " comprises two different aspects of Abandonment to Divine Providence; one as a virtue, common and necessary to all Christians, the other as a state, proper to souls who have made a special practice of abandonment to the holy will of God.
The "Letters of Direction," now for the first time translated into English, were addressed to Nuns of the Visitation at Nancy. Fr. de Caussade had been stationed in this town for some time, and when later he was called away, his letters to the Nuns carried on the powerful influence he had exercised over them. They were treasured and preserved with religious care, and thus have come down to our own days. Fr. de Ramière, S. J., collected these letters, and edited them with painstaking labour.
These "Spiritual Letters" are completely suited to the present time; Catholic spiritual life being ever the same, there is nothing in them which might require alteration or revision. Directors of souls will find them an answer to the daily and constantly recurring difficulties and trials of the interior life, from the initial difficulties of beginners to the hidden trials of souls of great sanctity. Whilst the "Letters," from the fact that they were originally written for the direction of Nuns, are chiefly intended for Religious, yet earnest people living in the world will derive from their perusal a most efficacious means for the attainment of resignation and peace in the midst of the worries and anxieties of life.
The leading idea in the letters of Fr. de Caussade is abandonment, complete and absolute, to Divine Providence. This was the mainspring of his own spiritual life, and the key-note of his direction of souls. He promises peace and holiness to every soul, however simple, that follows his counsel, if it has an upright intention, and a good will.
The following extract is from Fr. H. Ramière's preface to the Letters:
"That which renders Dr. de Caussade's letters especially valuable, and makes them useful in an eminently practical manner, is the circumstance that they are, for the most part, addressed to persons suffering under different kinds of darkness, desolation and trials; in a word, to those whom God designs for a high degree of sanctity. To all the doubts submitted to him, and to all the sufferings exposed to him by his correspondents, the holy Director applied but one and the same solution and remedy-abandonment; but, with perfect tact he adapts this practice to the particular nature of the trial, and proportions its exercise to the degree of perfection to which each soul has attained. The same method of direction he applies in a hundred different ways, and therefore this correspondence can be justly compared to a ladder by which the soul ascends by successive degrees from a still very imperfect state, to one of the most intimate union with God, and to the most heroic abandonment. To whatever degree a soul has attained we can safely promise that it will find in these letters suitable advice and a solution of the difficulties by which it is beset. Even those who look upon the spiritual life as an inextricable labyrinth will receive from the hands of Fr. de Caussade the clue which will enable them to escape from the darkness that envelopes them, and to enjoy peace in the midst of their uneasiness. May it prove this to all those poor souls who are troubled, and who `tremble for fear where there is nothing to fear.' (Ps. 13). May this book realise the message of the Angels, and bring peace to souls of a good will."
The "Abandonment to Divine Providence" of Fr. de Caussade is as far removed from the false inactivity of the Quietists, as true Christian resignation is distinct from the fatalism of Mohammedans. It is a trusting, childlike, peaceful abandonment to the guidance of grace, and of the Holy Spirit: an unquestioning and undoubting submission to the holy will of God in all things that may befall us, be they due to the action of man, or to the direct permission of God. To Fr. de Caussade, abandonment to God, the " Ita Pater " of our Divine Lord, the " Fiat " of our Blessed Lady, is the shortest, surest, and easiest way to holiness and peace. Fr. de Caussade's work must be read with a certain amount of discretion, as naturally every advice he gives does not apply to all readers indiscriminately. Some of his counsels may ba appropriate for beginners; others for souls of a more advanced degree of spirituality. No one, however, can fail to recognise in his writings the sure tone of a "Master," who has united practical to theoretical knowledge of his subject.
Every page is redolent with the unction of the Spirit of God, and readers will find in his doctrine a heavenly manna, a food of unfailing strength for their souls. The present work has been carefully translated into readable English, and more regard has been paid to the meaning than 'to the literal exactness of the sentences. The elevated, noble style of the author has been preserved throughout. It is a real contribution to the spiritual literature of England.
I am aware that our English word "Abandonment " does not adequately render the meaning of the French word "Abandon," but we have no better expression. The translation has been undertaken solely for the purpose of helping souls to follow the hidden paths of the spiritual life, and to surrender themselves entirely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Dom Arnold, O.S.B.,
Buckfast Abbey.
Section. Page
I. The hidden operations of God -1
II. The hidden operations of God, continued - 2
III. The work of our sanctification - 3
IV. In what perfection consists - 6
V. The divine influence alone can sanctify us - 7
VI. On the use of mental faculties - 9
VII. On the attainment of peace - 10
VIII. To estimate degrees of excellence - 11
IX. Sanctity made easy - 13
Section. Page
I. The unceasing work of God - 15
II. By faith the operation of God is recognised - 17
III. How to discover what is the will of God - 19
IV. The revelations of God - 20
V. The action of Jesus Christ in the souls of men - 22
VI. The treatment of the divine action - 24
VII. The hidden work of divine love - 26
VIII. Experimental Science - 27
IX. The will of God in the present moment is the source of Sanctity - 27
X. God makes known His will through creatures - 28
XI. Everything is supernaturalised by the divine action - 30
XII. The divine word our model - 34
Section. Page
I. The life of God in the soul - 37
II. The most perfect way - 37
III. Abandonment a pledge of predestination - 38
IV. Abandonment a source of joy - 40
V. The great merit of pure faith - 41
VI. Submission a free gift to God - 42
VII. Divine favours offered to all - 43
VIII. God reigns in a pure heart - 44
Section. Page
I. Sacrifice the foundation of sanctity - 48
II. The pains and consolations of abandonment - 50
III. The different duties of abandonment - 52
IV. God does all for a soul of goodwill - 53
V. The common way for all souls - 55
VI. The duty of the present moment the only rule - 57
VII. Trust in the guidance of God - 59
VIII. Great faith is necessary - 61
Section. Page
I. Unwise interference - 62
II. Unjust judgments - 64
III. Self-contempt - 65
IV. Distrust of self - 68
V. The life of faith - 70
Section. Page
I. Confidence in God - 74
II. Diversity of grace - 76
III. The generosity of God - 78
IV. The most ordinary things are channels of grace - 79
V. Nature and grace the instruments of God - 81
VI. Supernatural prudence - 83
VII. Conviction of weakness - 83
VIII. Self-guidance a mistake - 84
IX. Divine love, the principle of all good - 86
X. We must see God in all His creatures - 88
XI. The strength of simplicity - 90
XII. The triumph of humility - 91
Counsel. Page
I. For the attainment of perfect conformity to the will of God - 91
II. For the outward behaviour of one called to the life of abandonment - 95
III. Method of interior direction - 99
IV. Concerning our conduct after having committed faults - 101
V. On temptations and interior trials - 102
Letter Page
I. The happiness and peace of a soul entirely abandoned to God - 107
II. This abandonment is the shortest way to arrive at perfect love and perfection - 108
III. Profound peace can be enjoyed in this abandonment even amidst the bustle of business matters - 109
IV. Spiritual liberty in the midst of affairs - 111
V. On having recourse always to God - 112
VI. Abandonment ameliorates the wearisomeness of solitude - 113
VII. The happiness experienced by a community of Poor Clares in practising abandonment - 114
VIII. Concerning motives for abandonment on account of the goodness and greatness of the Divine Majesty - 115
IX. Another fresh motive for abandoning ourselves to God. His fatherly providence - 117
X. Our faults should render us humble - 118
XI. To the Sisters of the Visitation at Nancy, 1732.
Mutual good wishes between souls who seek nothing but God alone - 120
Letter Page
I. On the principles and practice of abandonment - 122
II. A general plan of the spiritual combat - 125
III. On the first works of God in the soul - 126
IV. On the general practice of abandonment - 127
V. On the means of acquiring abandonment - 128
VI. General direction - 129
VII. Useless fears - 132
VIII. Excellent advice on prayer to souls called to a life of abandonment - 133
IX. On prayer. The danger of delusion in the prayer of recollection - 134
X. Delusion in prayer - 136
XI. On the practice of abandonment in the different states of the soul - 137
XII. On the practice of abandonment, and the peace of the soul - 141
XIII. The peace of the soul - 142
XIV. On the practice of abandonment during consolations - 146
XV. On consolations - 149
XVI. The operations of grace -
XVII. On docility to the interior impressions of the Holy Spirit; and peaceful waiting - 154
XVIII. On the moderation of desires and fears - 155
XIX. To aim at simplicity - 156
XX. On simplicity - 157
XXI. On the different attractions of grace - 159
XXII. On abandonment in the trials to which vocation is subject - 161
XXIII. On the value of good desires - 162
XXIV. The call of God a sign of predestination - 163
XXV. God only desires what we are able to give - 165
XXVI. On abandonment as to employments and undertakings - 166
XXVII. On abandonment in the acceptance of duties - 167
XXVIII. To will only what God wills - 168
XXIX. Only God knows what is expedient for us - 168
XXX. On abandonment in sickness - 170
XXXI. Conduct in sickness - 171
XXXII. On bearing with your neighbour and yourself - 171
XXXIII. On bearing with oneself - 172
XXXIV. On preparation for the Sacraments, prayer, reading and conduct - 173
XXXV. On conduct during a time passed in the country - 174
XXXVI. On life and death. Consolations and trials - 176
XXXVII. Desire for consolations a mistake - 178
Letter Page
I. About feelings of vanity and frequent infidelities - 180
II. Of the defect of beginners - 184
III. On interior troubles voluntarily entertained, and weakness - 185
IV. Interior troubles - 189
V. On the love of one's neighbour - 195
VI. On attachment too keenly felt - 196
VII. Personal attachments - 197
VIII. On natural activity - 198
IX. On excessive fervour of good desires - 200
X. On eagerness to read good books - 201
XI. On intemperate and indiscreet zeal - 201
XII. On disinclination to accept the comforts enjoined - 203
XIII. On attachment to one's own judgment - 204
XIV. On a difficulty in, and a dislike to, opening one's mind to a director - 206
XV. On discouragement - 207
XVI. On the fear of being deceived, and of appearing singular - 208
Letter Page
I. On the trials above-mentioned. General direction - 212
II. On interior vicissitudes - 218
III. On abandonment during trials - 219
IV. On obscurity and weakness - 220
V. On weakness and distractions - 223
VI. On interior rebellion and spiritual poverty - 226
VII. On darkness and want of feeling - 229
VIII. On dryness and distractions during prayer - 232
IX. On distractions, weariness, and impulses - 235
X. On weariness and idleness - 237
XI. On weakness, remembrance of past sins, fatigue, and fears - 238
XII. On the use of .trials, and how to act about them - 241
XIII. The use of trials, continued - 245
XIV. The use of trials, continued - 247
XV. Trials to be endured peacefully - 250
XVI. Sensitiveness about defects a sign of self-love - 254
XVII. Confidence in God is the cure of self-love - 256
XVIII. Sacrifice and fidelity are the death of self-love - 259
XIX. On the uses of trials, even if they be punishments - 261
XX. On the fruit of trials-profound peace - 262
XXI. Things painful to nature are good for the soul - 264
Letter Page
I. On illness and its uses. Rules to be observed - 267
II. On sufferings of different kinds - 268
III. On public calamities and disasters - 269
IV. On contradictory tastes and characters - 270
V. On the profit to be gained by patient endurance - 272
VI. On different kinds of difficulties - 272
VII. Rules to be followed - 275
VIII. On annoyances caused by good people - 276
IX. How to bear these trials - 277
X. On seeing God in our trials - 277
XI. On the deprivation of human assistance - 278
XII. On the absence of a director - 279
XIII. Reliance on God alone - 280
XIV. On abandonment in trials of this nature - 281
XV. On the usefulness of these afflictions - 283
XVI. Bitterness mingled with pleasure to detach the soul - 286
XVII. On conduct during trials - 287
XVIII. The will of God to be preferred - 289
XIX. On the happiness of souls that abandon themselves to God in their afflictions - 291
Letter Page
I. On temptations, and the fear of giving way to them - 293
II. On the fear of temptations - 294
Letter Page
I. On spiritual nakedness. Annihilation. Temptations to despair - 339
II. Good symptoms - 343
III. On interior oppression - 347
IV. Purification of the heart - 347
V. On emptiness of heart - 348
VI. On the renewal of pain - 349
VII. Supernatural fears and pain - 351
VIII. On violent temptations - 353
IX. Annihilation and spiritual agony - 356
X. On mystical death. Its use - 358
XI. Before the Retreat - 360
XII. After the Retreat - 362
XIII. On the purification of the soul - 364
XIV. Explanation of certain trials. Direction - 367
XV. Perfect detachment - 371
XVI. Explanation of an apparent despair - 373
XVII. On the practice of abandonment in the midst of trials - 374
XVIII. On the fruit of complete death to self - 375