Jean-Baptiste Berthier

“ Now, it is impossible that men over whom the world has so much sway should inspire with holy resolves those who seek their advice about the religious life: for every one judges and counsels according to his peculiar views. ”

“ Bernard. "In the vast crowd of mankind it is hard for every one to find even one man uniting these two qualities in a high degree. It is no easy matter to meet a love of what is really good in a prudent man, or prudence in a man fond of good. The number of those who possess neither quality is very great." [3] St. Ambrose speaks in similar terms: " When you ask advice," says he, "you should go to a man noted for the probity of his life, for his virtues, for an unflinching love of good, and for the great moderation of his conduct. ”

“ Seek counsel always of a wise man." (Tobias iv, 19.) Whatever is done according to right and wise counsel is well done, and gives no cause for repentance. If, after having taken advice, we do not succeed, we can solace ourselves with the thought that we did not follow our own views, but abided by those whose counsel it was fitting to take. " Lean not on thine own prudence," says the Holy Ghost. ”

“ The same distinguished commentator speaks thus on this passage : " We should consult only a few rare and choice men ; for there are not many prudent, few have experience, and fewer still are discreet and faithful." ”

“ Long delays are not necessary : often they are an obstacle to a divine vocation, and the source of a multitude of dangers." [7]
When there is question of entering the married state, we should, as the catechism of the Council of Trent bids, zealously exhort children to "pay it as a tribute of respect due to their parents, or to those under whose guardianship and authority they are placed, not to engage in marriage with out their knowledge, still less in defiance of their express wishes." ”

“ Be continually with a holy man, whomsoever thou shalt know to observe the fear of God ; whose soul is according to thine own soul, and who, when thou shalt stumble in the dark, will be sorry for thee. ”

“ But it is chiefly when we aspire to a perfect life, that we should avoid a multitude of counsellors. Were we to take the advice of many, who does not see what difficulties would arise ? Because carnal men, who are always in the majority, hinder rather than promote the desire of perfection, as St. ”