On the Necessity of a Director to Enter into Devotion and to Advance Therein.
Young Tobias, preparing to set out for Rages: “I know not the way at all,” said he to his father. “Go, then,” replied the old man, “and seek some man to guide thee.” I say as much to you, dear Philothea: would you sincerely set forth upon the way of devotion? Seek some good man to guide and lead you. This is the counsel of all those who are well counselled: whatever you may do, says the devout Avila, you will never find the will of God so surely as by taking the path of this humble obedience, which the saints have always so greatly recommended and practised. Blessed Teresa, seeing that Catherine de Carderec performed great austerities, desired to do the same, contrary to the advice of her confessor, who forbade her, and whom she was tempted in this matter to disobey; but having at last chosen the path of obedience, God said to her: “My daughter, thou art walking by a good and safe way: thou didst esteem this penance greatly, but I esteem thine obedience more.” From that time she loved this virtue so much that, besides the obedience she owed her superiors, she bound herself by a particular vow to follow the guidance and advice of her director; which was for her the source of very great consolations, as several other good souls have experienced, who, in order to subject themselves more fully to God, have submitted their will to that of His servants. Saint Catherine of Siena highly praises this practice in her dialogues: the devout princess Saint Elizabeth submitted herself with perfect obedience to the guidance of the learned Conrard; and this is the counsel which the great Saint Louis gave his son before dying: “Confess often, and choose a confessor who hath enough learning and wisdom to aid thee with his counsel in the things necessary for the good of thy soul.”
Young Tobias, preparing to set out for Rages: “I know not the way at all,” said he to his father. “Go, then,” replied the old man, “and seek some man to guide thee.” I say as much to you, dear Philothea: would you sincerely set forth upon the way of devotion? Seek some good man to guide and lead you. This is the counsel of all those who are well counselled: whatever you may do, says the devout Avila, you will never find the will of God so surely as by taking the path of this humble obedience, which the saints have always so greatly recommended and practised. Blessed Teresa, seeing that Catherine de Carderec performed great austerities, desired to do the same, contrary to the advice of her confessor, who forbade her, and whom she was tempted in this matter to disobey; but having at last chosen the path of obedience, God said to her: “My daughter, thou art walking by a good and safe way: thou didst esteem this penance greatly, but I esteem thine obedience more.” From that time she loved this virtue so much that, besides the obedience she owed her superiors, she bound herself by a particular vow to follow the guidance and advice of her director; which was for her the source of very great consolations, as several other good souls have experienced, who, in order to subject themselves more fully to God, have submitted their will to that of His servants. Saint Catherine of Siena highly praises this practice in her dialogues: the devout princess Saint Elizabeth submitted herself with perfect obedience to the guidance of the learned Conrard; and this is the counsel which the great Saint Louis gave his son before dying: “Confess often, and choose a confessor who hath enough learning and wisdom to aid thee with his counsel in the things necessary for the good of thy soul.”
A faithful friend, saith Holy Scripture, is a strong protection: he that hath found one hath found a treasure. A faithful friend is a remedy that giveth life and immortality: they that fear God find Him. These divine words, as you see, regard chiefly immortality, for which it is above all things needful to have this faithful friend, who guideth our actions by his counsels and advice, and preserveth us from the snares and deceits of the devil. Such a friend shall be unto us as a treasure of patience in our afflictions and falls; he shall be a healing balm in our sorrows of heart and other spiritual maladies; he shall keep us from evil, and make our good better; and when any infirmity befalleth us, he shall, by his care and good offices, prevent it from becoming mortal.
But who shall find this friend? The Wise Man answereth: they that fear God; that is to say, the humble, who ardently desire their spiritual advancement. Since, then, it is so important, Philothea, to undertake this holy journey of devotion with a good guide, pray God most earnestly to send you one after His own heart, and doubt not that He will do so; for though He should have to give you an angel from Heaven, as He did for young Tobias, He would give him to you rather than let you be without a faithful guide.
But who shall find this friend? The Wise Man answereth: they that fear God; that is to say, the humble, who ardently desire their spiritual advancement. Since, then, it is so important, Philothea, to undertake this holy journey of devotion with a good guide, pray God most earnestly to send you one after His own heart, and doubt not that He will do so; for though He should have to give you an angel from Heaven, as He did for young Tobias, He would give him to you rather than let you be without a faithful guide.
Now, when you have found him, indeed consider him an angel sent to you. Do not regard him as a mere man, nor put your trust in him because of his great learning, but rather because of God, Who will succour you and speak to you through him, placing in his heart and upon his lips all that you shall need: so that you must listen to him as to an angel descending from Heaven to lead you there. Deal with him with an open heart, in all simplicity, plainly revealing to him your good and your evil, without any sort of disguise or evasion. By this means, the good will be more secure, and the evil more quickly repaired. Your soul will also be stronger in its afflictions, and more moderate in its consolations. Have the utmost confidence in him, mingled with a holy reverence; so that reverence does not diminish confidence, and confidence does not hinder reverence. Trust him with the reverence of a daughter for her father, and respect him with the confidence of a son for his mother. In a word, let this friendship be strong and gentle, wholly holy, wholly sacred, wholly divine, wholly spiritual.
For this, choose one among a thousand, says Avila; and I say, among ten thousand; for there are fewer than one might think who are capable of this ministry. A director must be full of charity, learning, and prudence: if he lacks any one of these three qualities, there is danger. But, I repeat, ask God for him, and when you have obtained him, bless the divine Majesty. Stand firm by your choice, seek no others; go simply, humbly, and with all confidence; I assure you that you will make a most happy journey.
For this, choose one among a thousand, says Avila; and I say, among ten thousand; for there are fewer than one might think who are capable of this ministry. A director must be full of charity, learning, and prudence: if he lacks any one of these three qualities, there is danger. But, I repeat, ask God for him, and when you have obtained him, bless the divine Majesty. Stand firm by your choice, seek no others; go simply, humbly, and with all confidence; I assure you that you will make a most happy journey.