The Fundamentals of the Religious Life

THIS little book appeared first in French, over two hundred years ago. Its author was a priest of the Society of Jesus. Only the initial "0" of his name is given on the title-page. The French publisher says that the book, although short, contains the best that has ever been written about the religious life. It is regarded as a masterpiece of its kind. The well-known Jesuit, Father Ramiere, calls it a real treasure and believes that anyone who makes it known to those who wish to reach the perfection of the religious life is doing a good work. He considers himself favored to be able to recommend it most earnestly. The Vicar-General de Ville, of Lyons, pronounces it to be the very best book that can be offered to religious for their instruction. The German translation was very favorably received. Many religious wrote to the translator to express their sincere gratitude for having published it in German. This translation is from the German edition. This book commences: "YOU have opened your heart to the voice of our most beloved Saviour, who, in His goodness and mercy, has called you to the religious life. You have courageously followed this call and have overcome all the difficulties and obstacles in your way. Up to the present you have performed all your religious duties generously, zealously, and joyously, but remember that this is not sufficient; you must persevere. If you grow lax in the observance of your rules and in your religious duties, you expose yourself to the gravest danger, and, even more justly than the man in the Gospel, to the reproach of having laid the foundation of a magnificent structure, but of not having finished it. "Perseverance completes the work; and he who perseveres unto the end shall be crowned."