Author: Lear, Henrietta Louisa (Farrer), 1824-1896

PREFACE

In writing this Life of St. Francis de Sales, the object aimed at has been less historical or ecclesiastical investigation, than a vivid and natural setting forth, so far as may be, of the holy Bishop's inner mind and life, as it can be traced in his own writings and in those of his most intimate and loving friends. For this reason, the trifling details of his life and conversation have been dwelt upon, rather than those more specially concerning his mission in Chablais, his controversial labours among Swiss and French Protestants, or his exertions on behalf of his people at the Courts of France and Savoy. These have been already written about at length and are therefore but lightly touched here. Neither is his work as a guide of souls more than briefly sketched in this volume, and that because nothing can set it so clearly before us as his own letters; accordingly, it is proposed that this Life be speedily followed by a translation of the Spiritual Letters of St. Francis de Sales, as also of Bishop Belle’s “Esprit de St. Francis de Sales” and the “Traite de L'Amour de Dieu.” From the time the latter work and the "Vie Devote" were published, they have been the delight of countless pious souls in all parts of the Church. Our own Archbishop Leighton (who is thought by some greatly to resemble St. Francis de Sales) specially delighted in his writings, which he frequently made use of in his own commentary and sermons, quoting the Bishop of Geneva by name in the exposition of the Lord's Prayer (Vol-V. p. 294), and making frequent allusions to his writings elsewhere; while in familiar conversation he continually referred to some quaint saying or habit of the Saint. Who but must wander on in thought to the meeting in paradise of such and other blessed ones, who in their lives had but one aim; the service and glory of their Dear Lord and Master, and who now, safely gathered "in Patria," know, " even as they are known? " God grant to all who strive to follow in their steps the like gathering in, in His good time.

Various French Lives of S. Francis have been consulted in gathering this little volume together, but the " Esprit " is always quoted from the original. Reference to that is not generally made, for several editions having been used, the divisions are different, although the text is alike. The letters, & c. are chiefly quoted from Blaise's edition of the " CEuvres Completes de St. Francis de Sales," in seventeen volumes. The letters in this edition were gathered together by Louis de Sales, a nephew of the Saint, and dedicated to his brother, Bishop Jean Francis de Sales, and to the Religious of the Visitation.