,,vocations ,,expla9$   ,,matrimony1    
,,virg9ity1 ,,! ,,religi\s ,,/ate1 ,,&  
,,! ,,prie/hood4   ,,by ,a ,,v9c5tian   
,,fa!r4  ,,an ,,abridgm5t ,,( ,,que/ions
 ,,on ,,vocations ,,approv$ ,,by        
,,c>d9al ,,gibbons ,,& ,,c>d9al         
,,satolli4  ,publi%$ ) ! p]mission ( !  
,sup]ior ,g5]al ( ! ,congregation ( !   
,mission4    ,,new ,,york1 ,,c9c9nati1  
,,*icago3 ,,b5z+] ,,bro!rs1 ,pr9t]s to !
 ,holy ,apo/olic ,see4    ,vocations    
,expla9$  is a comp5dium ( ,que/ions on 
,vocations1 a cate*ism approv$ by ,8    
,em95ce ,c>d9al ,gibbons2 ,8 ,em95ce    
,c>d9al ,satolli2 by five ,ar*bi%ops &  
tw5ty-two ,bi%ops2 also by num]\s prie/s
 & religi\s ,bro!rs & ,si/]s4   ,nihil  
,obatat          ,,?os4 ,l4 ,,k9kead1   
,c5sor ,librorum4  ,imprimatur          
,,mi*ael ,,augu/9e1                     
,ar*bi%op ( ,new ,york4  ,,new ,,york1  
,m>* #b1 #ahig4   ,,copyright1 #ahig1   
,,by ,,b5zig] ,,bro!rs4    ,,cont5ts4   
,i4 ,,def9ition4--,,e ,,p]son ,,has ,,"s
 ,,special ,,vocation     ,,ii4         

,,necessity ,,( ,,foll[+ ,a ,,vocation  
,,iii4 ,,matrimony--,,is ,,x ,a         
,,vocation8     ,,iv4 ,,mix$ ,,m>riages 
,v4 ,,virg9ity     ,,vi4 ,,! ,,?ree     
,,evangelical ,,c\nsels           #a4   
,pov]ty           #b4 ,p]petual ,*a/ity 
#c4 ,ob$i5ce    ,,vii4 ,,! ,,religi\s   
,,/ate   ,,viii4 ,,m>ks ,,( ,a          
,,vocation ,,to ,,! ,,religi\s ,,/ate   
,,ix4 ,,d\bts ,,ab\t ,a ,,vocation ,,to 
,,! ,,religi\s ,,/ate      ,x4          
,,enc\rag+ ,,o!rs ,,to ,,ent] ,,!       
,,religi\s ,,/ate     ,,xi4 ,,means ,,( 
,,pres]v+ ,a ,,vocation ,,to ,,!        
,,religi\s ,,/ate4--,,"s                
,,ob/acles    ,,xii4 ,,*ildr5 ,,& ,,!   
,,religi\s ,,/ate   ,,xiii4 ,,duty ,,(  
,,p>5ts ,,reg>d+ ,,! ,,religi\s         
,,vocation ,,( ,,_!                     
,,*ildr5    ,,xiv4 ,,vocations ,,to ,,! 
,,prie/hood     ,,xv4 ,,d ,,vocations   
,,to ,,! ,,prie/hood ,,come ,,directly  
,,f ,,god    ,,xvi4 ,,fo/]+ ,,vocations 
,,to ,,! ,,prie/hood   ,,xvii4 ,,prev5t+
 ,,vocations ,,to ,,! ,,prie/hood       

,,xviii4 ,,means ,,( ,,kn[+ ,,our       
,,vocation           #a4 ,pray]         
#b4 ,fre$om f ,s9           #c4         
,humility           #d4 ,retreat        
#e4 ,c\nsel           ,pray] ( ,/4      
,b]n>d    ,,vocations ,,expla9$4        
,,*apt] ,i4  ,,def9ition4----,,e ,,p]son
 ,,has ,,"s ,,special ,,vocation4   ,q4 
,:at is a vocation8  ,a4 ,a call f ,god 
to "s /ate ( life4   ,q4 ,:i* are !     
pr9cipal /ates ( life8  ,a4 ,matrimony1 
virg9ity1 ! religi\s /ate1 & !          
prie/hood4   ,q4 ,has e p]son a         
vocation8  ,a4 ,yes2 ,god gives a       
special vocation to ea* p]son4   ,q4 ,h[
 is ?is doctr9e prov$8  ,a4 ,/4 ,paul   
says3 ,e "o ha? 8 prop] gift f ,god2 "o 
aft] ?is mann]1 & ano!r aft] t4 4 4 4 ,z
 ! ,"l ha? di/ribut$ to e "o1 z ,god ha?
 call$ e "o1 s let him walk4 99  99 ,!  
ref]5ces are giv5 9 ! l>g] cate*ism     
entitl$ ,que/ions on ,vocations4   ,q4  
,is x n b5ea? ,god's notice to give a   
p>ticul> vocation to ea* p]son8   ,a4 ,n
 at all2 = ev5 ! birds ( ! air are      

objects ( ! provid5ce ( ,god3 ,yea1 ! v 
hairs ( y\r head are all numb]$4 ,fe> n1
 !re=e2 y are ( m value ?an _m sp>r[s4  
,q4 ,:at d ,fa!r ,fab] & ,/4 ,alphonsus 
say on ?is subject8   ,a4 ,fa!r ,fab]   
says3 ,e man has a di/9ct vocation4 ,/4 
,alphonsus says3 ,we mu/ embrace t /ate 
to :i* ,god calls u4   ,q4 ,:at does ,/4
 ,augu/9e tea* conc]n+ special          
vocations8  ,a4 ,/4 ,augu/9e says3 ,he  
:o does little1 b 9 a /ate to :i* ,god  
calls him1 does m ?an he :o labors mu*1 
b 9 a /ate :i* he has ?\ghtlessly *os53 
a cripple limp+ 9 ! "r way is bett] ?an 
a rac] out ( x4     ,,*apt] ,,ii4       
,,necessity ,,( ,,foll[+ ,a ,,vocation4 
,q4 ,are we oblig$ to foll[ ! vocation  
:i* ,god gives u8  ,a4 ,yes2 if we %\ld 
wilfully neglect to foll[ our vocation  
we w\ld be 9 dang] ( los+ our s\ls4     
,q4 ,:y s8  ,a4 ,because ,god atta*es to
 our vocation special graces to help u  
to resi/ temptations & to dis*>ge our   
duties prop]ly4 ,h5ce1 if we neglect    
,god's call1 we lose also ,8 special    

graces2 we !n easily fall into          
temptation1 & ?us we are m liable to    
lose our s\ls4   ,q4 ,c y quote reliable
 au?ority = ?is doctr9e8  ,a4 ,/4       
,alphonsus ,liguori says3 ,9 ! *oice ( a
 /ate ( life1 if we wi% to secure our   
et]nal salvation1 we mu/ embrace t /ate 
to :i* ,god calls u1 9 :i* only ,god    
prep>es = u ! efficaci\s means necess>y 
to salvation4  ,/4 ,cyprian says3 ,!    
grace ( ! ,holy ,gho/ is giv5 accord+ to
 ! ord] ( ,god1 & n accord+ to our own  
w4   ,q4 ,:at does ,/4 ,v9c5t de ,paul  
say on ?is po9t8  ,a4 ,/4 ,v9c5t de     
,paul says3 ,x is v difficult1 n to say 
impossible1 to save "o's self 9 a /ate (
 life 9 :i* ,god does n wi% "o to be4   
,q4 ,has any "o ( ! ,popes giv5 8 views 
on ?is subject8  ,a4 ,yes2 ,pope ,/4    
,gregory ! ,great tea*es t our salvation
 is closely connect$ ) our vocation4  ,!
 ,emp]or ,maurice hav+ publi%$ an edict 
=bidd+ soldi]s to ent] ! religi\s /ate1 
,pope ,/4 ,gregory ! ,great wrote to him
 ^! rem>kable words3 ,?is law1 =bidd+   

soldi]s to ent] ! religi\s /ate1 is     
unju/1 because x %uts heav5 to _m2 = !re
 are v _m :o _c ent] heav5 unless !y    
ab&on all ?+s4   ,q4 ,c ?is doctr9e be  
expla9$ by a comp>ison8  ,a4 ,yes2 a    
ma/] feels a j indignation aga9/ ^?     
s]vants t d z !y please & neglect !     
p>ticul> duty assign$ !m4 ,! "w done by 
su* s]vants may be v good 9 itself1 yet 
x is n pleas+ to ! ma/]1 nor w x be     
rew>d$ by him1 because x is n 9         
accordance ) 8 designs4  ,! same        
pr9ciple holds ) reg>d to ,god3 ,n e "o 
t ,sai? to ,me1 ,"l1 ,"l1 %all ent] !   
k+dom ( heav52 b he t do? ! w ( ,my     
,fa!r ,:o is 9 heav51 he %all ent] into 
! k+dom ( heav54   ,q4 ,:at is to be    
said ( ^? t "k no?+ ab\t vocations8  ,a4
 ,if !y are ignorant ( ! matt] )\t any  
fault on _! "p1 ,god w n hold !m        
responsible = su* ignorance4 ,by        
provid5tial circum/ances _m are1 )\t    
adv]t+ to x1 9 ! /ate ( life 9 :i* ,god 
wants !m to be4   ,q4 ,:at is to be said
 ( ^? :o1 hav+ opportunities1 give ?is  

subject little or no ?\ght8  ,a4 ,we    
answ] ) ,/4 ,alphonsus3 ,9 ! _w ?is     
doctr9e ( vocation is n mu* consid]$ by 
"s p]sons4 ,!y ?9k t x is all ! same    
:e!r !y live 9 ! /ate to :i* ,god calls 
!m1 or 9 t :i* !y *oose ( _! own        
incl9ations2 & !re=e s _m live bad lives
 & damn !mselves4 ,b x is c]ta9 t ?is is
 ! pr9cipal po9t ) reg>d to !           
acquisition ( et]nal life4 ,he :o       
di/urbs ?is ord]1 & breaks ?is *a9 (    
salvation1 %all n be sav$4   ,q4 ,:at is
 ! rem>kable say+ ( ,/4 ,gregory        
,nazianz5 on ?is subject8  ,a4 ,/4      
,gregory ,nazianz5 says3 ,i hold t !    
*oice ( a /ate ( life is s important t x
 decides1 = ! rema9d] ( our lives1 :e!r 
our conduct %all be good or bad4        
,,*apt] ,,iii4  ,,matrimony--,,is ,,x ,a
 ,,vocation8   ,q4 ,h[ d y prove t      
matrimony is a vocation8  ,a4 ,matrimony
 is a fix$ mann] ( liv+1 e/abli%$ by    
,almighty ,god3 ,:at ,god ha? jo9$      
toge!r1 let no man put asund]4 ,/4      
,paul1 speak+ ( matrimony1 says3 ,?is is

 a great sacram5t2 b ,i speak 9 ,*ri/ & 
9 ! ,*ur*4   ,q4 ,if matrimony is a     
vocation f ,god1 :y are _m m>ri$ p      
unhappy8  ,a4 ,because _m ( ^! p d n    
correspond ) ! graces ( ?is /ate2 "s    
ent] x )\t ! prop] motives1 o!rs embrace
 x )\t be+ call$ to x by ,almighty ,god4
   ,q4 ,is a special vocation necess>y 9
 ord] to secure salvation 9 ! m>riage   
/ate8  ,a4 ,mo/ c]ta9ly1 because ! /ate 
itself is f ,god1 & a p]son's consort   
%\ld be ! *oice ( ,god3 ,h\ses & ri*es  
are f p>5ts3 b a prud5t wife is prop]ly 
f ! ,"l4  ,god made special *oice (     
,rebecca to be ! wife ( ,isaac3 ,let !  
same be ! woman :om ! ,"l ha? prep>$ =  
my ma/]'s son4  ,s>a 0 ,god's *oice z ! 
wife ( "y ,tobias3 ,! ,god ( ,abraham1 &
 ! ,god ( ,isaac1 & ! ,god ( ,jacob be )
 y1 & may ,he jo9 y toge!r1 & fulfil ,8 
bless+ 9 y4   ,q4 ,c y give a ,scripture
 example illu/rat+ ?is doctr9e m =cibly8
  ,a4 ,yes2 :5 ! ,angel ,raphael advis$ 
"y ,tobias to take ,s>a = 8 wife1       
,tobias answ]$3 ,i he> t %e ha? be5 giv5

 to sev5 husb&s1 & !y all di$2 moreov]1 
,i h he>d t a devil kill$ !m4 ,n[ ,i am 
afraid1 le/ ! same ?+ happ5 to me also4 
,! angel !n %[$ ,tobias t ^? sev5 husb&s
 _h be5 giv5 ov] to ! p[] ( ! devil     
because 9 _! m>riage !y lo/ sight ( !   
designs ( ,god1 & 7 guid$ by unwor?y    
motives4 ,! angel said to him3 ,he> me1 
& ,i w %[ !e :o !y are1 ov] :om ! devil 
c prevail3 ,!y :o 9 su* mann] receive   
matrimony1 z to %ut out ,god f !mselves1
 & f _! m9d1 & give !mselves to _! lu/2 
4 4 4 ov] !m ! devil ha? p[]4   ,q4 ,:at
 is ! doctr9e ( ,/ ,basil on ?is        
subject8  ,a4 ,/4 ,basil says3 ,:at     
means 'to m>ry 9 ! ,"l' except to       
embrace t holy /ate only 9 accordance ) 
! w ( ,god1 consult+ only reason & fai?1
 to le>n :e!r y foll[ ! c\rse to :i*    
,god calls y8   ,q4 ,:at is ! prov]b1 or
 say+1 among ! old folks ab\t m>riage8  
,a4 ,!re is a say+ among ! old folks t  
happy m>riages are made 9 heav5 7made by
 ,almighty ,god74 ,?is say+ is 9 fact ! 
summ+ up ( exp]i5ce1 ( ! tea*+ ( !      

,fa!rs1 ( ! ,sacr$ ,scriptures1 & ( !   
,*ur* on ?is subject4  ,if ,jesus & ,m>y
 d n preside at m>riages1 ! devil w     
surely usurp _! place4 ,he t is n ) ,me 
is aga9/ ,me2 & he t ga!re? n ) ,me1    
scatt]e?4   ,q4 ,:at does ! v5]able     
,l\is de ,ponte tea* on ! subject (     
matrimony8  ,a4 ,! v5]able ,l\is de     
,ponte says3 ,god is n only ! au?or (   
matrimony1 b ,he br+s to t /ate1 by a   
special provid5ce1 ^? :om ,he wi%es to  
be 9 x4 ,he acts ?us bo? = ! good (     
society & = ! happ9ess ( individuals2 &1
 al?\gh accord+ to ! tea*+ ( ! ,*ur*1 'x
 is bett] & m p]fect to obs]ve virg9ity 
?an to engage 9 matrimony1' yet ,div9e  
,provid5ce is n less admirable 9 ! matt]
 ( vocations to ! m>riage /ate ?an 9    
vocations to p]petual cont95ce4  ,x is1 
!n1 v important to weigh ^! matt]s      
c>efully1 & to exam9e well :e!r a p]son 
is call$ to a m p]fect /ate be=e decid+ 
to ent] ! m>riage /ate4     ,,*apt]     
,,iv4  ,,mix$ ,,m>riages4   ,q4 ,are    
mix$ m>riages vocations8  ,a4 ,n f ,god4

 ,mix$ m>riages are sugge/$ by ! _w1 !  
fle%1 & ! devil1 ! ?ree great enemies ( 
man's salvation4  ,:o ev] he>d ( a p]son
 ent]+ mix$ m>riage because 8 consci5ce 
told him t ,god gave him a vocation to t
 /ate1 or because he 0 conv9c$ t ,god   
*ose = him t /ate 9 ord] t he might     
sanctify himself !re9 & avoid damnation8
  ,read aga9 ! /ory ( ,tobias1 & ! sev5 
husb&s ( ,s>a1 :o 7 /rangl$ to dea? by !
 devil because ( ! unwor?9ess ( _!      
motives4 ,^? :o ent] mix$ m>riages      
evid5tly %ut out ,god f !mselves & f _! 
m9d2 !y d n foll[ a vocation f ,god2 !y 
exclude ! w ( ,god4 ,h[1 !n1 c !y be    
except$ f ! class ( p]sons ( :om ! ,holy
 ,gho/ says3 ,ov] !m ! devil ha? p[]8   
,! ,*ur* speaks v pla9ly on ?is subject1
 & tea*es t mix$ m>riages are =bidd52 & 
,*ri/ said ( ! ,*ur*3 ,he t he>e? y     
he>e? ,me2 & he t despise? y1 despise?  
,me4   ,q4 ,:y1 !n1 does ! ,*ur* grant  
disp5sations 9 ?is matt]8  ,a4 ,= ! same
 reason t a prud5t "m w\ld pref] to see 
a wayw>d daught] d a bad ?+ ?an a worse 

?+4 ,:at p>5t w\ld n pref] to see a *ild
 sick ?an dead8 ,!re is "s hope = ! life
 ( a man hang+ ov] a precipice & cl++   
ev5 to a h&ful ( grass1 b !re is no hope
 :5 8 bra9s are da%$ out on ! rocks     
b5ea?4  ,:5 p]sons h fully made up _!   
m9ds to ent] mix$ m>riage1 !y are s     
bl9d$ by _! passions & pref]5ces t1 if !
 ,*ur* %\ld n tol]ate _! /ep1 _m ( !m   
w\ld m>ry out ( ! ,*ur*1 & ?us commit   
mortal s91 & 9 mo/ cases incur          
excommunication4  ,! only diff]5ce1 !n1 
is ?is3 ,!re is at lea/ a possible hope 
( salvation :5 mix$ m>riages are tol]at$
 by ! ,*ur*2 :]eas1 if ^! p]sons %\ld   
die 9 _! rebellion aga9/ ! ,*ur*1 _!    
damnation w\ld be c]ta94  ,! ,*ur*1 l a 
prud5t "m1 w\ld pref] ! less ( ^! two   
evils4   ,q4 ,are n conv]sions (t5      
br\ght ab\t by mix$ m>riages8  ,a4      
,misplac$ affections (t5 make c&idates =
 m>riage ?9k s1 b ?is is n _! *ief      
reason = insi/+ on su* m>riages4        
,temptation1 passion1 & p]sonal pref]5ce
 h m to d ) !m ?an ! w ( ,god4          

,conv]sions f ! fai? are m frequ5t 9    
mix$ m>riages ?an conv]sions to ! fai?4 
,god's w is n _! f\ndation1 & yet1      
unless ! ,"l build ! h\se1 !y labor 9   
va9 t build x4 ,god & ! ,*ur* desire &  
tea* ,ca?olics to take no su* risks4    
,q4 ,:at d ! ,sacr$ ,scriptures say (   
mix$ m>riages8  ,a4 ,be> n ! yoke )     
unbeliev]s4 ,= :at fell[%ip ha? light ) 
d>kness1 or :at "p ha? ! fai?ful ) !    
unbeliev]8 ,nei!r %alt ?\ make m>riages 
) !m4 ,?\ %alt n give ?y daught] to 8   
son1 nor take 8 daught] = ?y son2 = %e w
 turn away ?y son f foll[+ ,me2 & ! wra?
 ( ! ,"l w be k9dl$1 & w quickly de/roy 
!e4  ,mix$ m>riages are ! fruitful s\rce
 ( numb]less evils3 ! loss ( fai? to    
c\ntless g5]ations1 immorality1 atta*m5t
 to ! ?+s ( e>?1 & godless lives2 & z a 
man lives1 s %all he die4   ,q4 ,:at is 
! be/ rem$y = ^! evils8  ,a4 ,to remove 
_! cause4 ,p>5ts1 "y folks1 & ev5       
advanc$ s*ool-*ildr5 %\ld be taught !   
evil ( mix$ m>riages be=e _! m9ds become
 w>p$ by company-keep+1 passion1 & bad  

example4  ,_m pa/ors obta9 excell5t     
results by frequ5tly in/ruct+ ! *ildr5  
conc]n+ mix$ m>riages1 & by tea*+ !m !  
doctr9e ( ! ,*ur* on ?is subject4 99  99
 ,see ,mollie's ,mi/ake1 or ,mix$       
,m>riages1 by ,rev4 ,j4 ,w4 ,book1      
,cannelton4 ,ind4 ,we highly recomm5d x 
z a v readable & in/ructive book4       
,,*apt] ,v4  ,,virg9ity4   ,q4 ,h[ is x 
prov$ t ! /ate ( virg9ity is a vocation8
  ,a4 ,/4 ,paul m5tions virg9ity z a    
special /ate ( life1 & recomm5ds x 9    
pref]5ce to matrimony4  ,9 ! head+ ( !  
sev5? *apt] ( ! ,fir/ ,epi/le ( ,/4     
,paul to ! ,cor9?ians we f9d ^! words3  
,virg9ity is pref]able to ! m>ri$ /ate4 
,9 ?is :ole *apt] ,/4 ,paul speaks      
/rongly 9 favor ( ! /ate ( virg9ity3 ,i 
w\ld t all m5 7 ev5 z myself2 t is1 z ! 
,fa!rs ( ,tr5t expla91 t all embrac$ !  
virtue ( cont95ce4   ,q4 ,:y is virg9ity
 to be pref]r$ to ! m>riage /ate8  ,a4  
,because virg9ity is m pleas+ to ,god1 &
 m conducive to salvation4   ,q4 ,h[ d y
 prove t virg9ity is m pleas+ to ,god8  

,a4 ,/4 ,john says3 ,^! are !y :o are n 
defil$ ) wom53 = !y are virg9s4 ,^!     
foll[ ! ,lamb )]soev] ,he goe?4 ,^! 7   
pur*as$ f among m51 ! fir/ fruits to    
,god & to ! ,lamb4  ,/4 ,j]ome says3 ,z 
soon z ! ,son ( ,god came d[n ^u ! e>?  
,he creat$ a new family4 ,he *ose a     
virg9 ,"m1 ,m>y1 & a virg9 fo/]-fa!r1   
,joseph2 also a virg9 disciple1 ,john1 &
 a virg9 apo/le ( ! nations1 ,paul2 s t 
,he :o 0 ador$ by angels 9 heav5 might  
also h angels to s]ve ,him on e>?4   ,q4
 ,d ! ,fa!rs ( ! ,*ur* recomm5d         
virg9ity8  ,a4 ,yes1 9 ! highe/ possible
 t]ms4 ,/4 ,augu/9e says3 ,! joys ( !   
virg9s are n giv5 to ! o!r sa9ts ( ,god4
  ,/4 ,cyprian says3 ,virg9ity is ! que5
 ( all o!r virtues & ! possession ( e   
good4  ,speak+ ( virg9ity1 ,/4 ,ephrem  
says3 ,if y h lov$ x1 y w be favor$ by !
 ,"l 9 all ?+s4  ,/4 ,b]n>d9e1 ( ,si5na1
 tea*es t virg9ity prep>es ! s\l to see 
h] sp\se1 ,jesus1 by fai? 9 ?is life &  
by glory 9 ! next4   ,q4 ,:at is ! exact
 tea*+ ( ! ,*ur* on ! comp>ative m]its (

 matrimony & virg9ity8  ,a4 ,! ,*ur*    
tea*es t x is ( fai? t virg9ity is      
pref]able to matrimony4  ,9 ! #aj? canon
 ( ! #bd? session ( ! ,c\ncil ( ,tr5t we
 f9d ?is doctr9e3 ,if any "o sai? t !   
m>riage /ate is to be pref]r$ be=e !    
/ate ( virg9ity1 or celibacy1 & t x is n
 bett] & m bless$ to rema9 9 virg9ity1  
or 9 celibacy1 ?an to be unit$ 9        
matrimony1 let him be ana!ma 7t is1     
accurs$74     ,,*apt] ,,vi4  ,,! ,,?ree 
,,evangelical ,,c\nsels4   ,,= ! bett]  
und]/&+ ( vocations we %all give a brief
 explanation ( ! evangelical c\nsels4   
,q4 ,:at are ! evangelical c\nsels8  ,a4
 ,!y are ,gospel advices or             
recomm5dations4   ,q4 ,:y are !y call$  
c\nsels8  ,a4 ,because !y are n comm&$ b
 c\nsell$ by ,our ,"l1 & recomm5d$ z    
means ( great] p]fection4   ,q4 ,:y are 
!y call$ evangelical c\nsels8  ,a4      
,because !y are recomm5d$ 9 ! ,gospel4  
,evangelism is ! ,lat9 ^w = gospel4  #a4
 ,pov]ty4   ,q4 ,:i* is ! fir/ ( !      
evangelical c\nsels8  ,a4 ,volunt>y     

pov]ty4 ,t means r5\nc+ ! use ( money & 
possessions by our own free w to foll[  
,*ri/4   ,q4 ,:at is ! advantage ( ?is  
c\nsel8  ,a4 ,! practice ( ?is c\nsel   
uproots a mo/ dang]\s passion3 ,= !y t w
 become ri* fall into temptation1 & into
 ! sn>e ( ! devil1 & into _m unpr(itable
 & hurtful desires1 :i* dr[n m5 into    
de/ruction & p]dition4   ,q4 ,is !re any
 special bless+ promis$ to ^? :o foll[  
?is c\nsel8  ,a4 ,yes3 ,e "o t ha? left 
h\se1 or bre?r51 or si/]s1 or fa!r1 or  
"m1 or wife1 or *ildr51 or l&s1 = ,my   
"n's sake1 %all receive a hundr$fold1 & 
%all possess life ev]la/+4   ,q4 ,is ?is
 c\nsel giv5 to all8  ,a4 ,! ,fa!rs ( ! 
,*ur* tea* t ?is c\nsel is recomm5d$ to 
all4 ,! above words ( ,our ,"l are      
unre/rict$3 ,& e "o t ha? left h\se1 or 
bre?r51 etc4  #b4 ,p]petual ,*a/ity4    
,q4 ,:i* is ! second evangelical c\nsel8
  ,a4 ,p]petual *a/ity2 t is1 a volunt>y
 ab/a9+ f m>riage 9 ord] to d$icate "o's
 self 9 a m special mann] to ! love &   
s]vice ( ,god & to ! great "w (         

salvation4   ,q4 ,is ?is c\nsel         
recomm5d$ 9 ! ,sacr$ ,scriptures & 9 !  
,fa!rs8  ,a4 ,x c]ta9ly is1 z we h se5 9
 ! *apt] on ,virg9ity4   ,q4 ,is ?is    
c\nsel ( *a/ity recomm5d$ to all8  ,a4  
,?is c\nsel1 z well z ! o!r two         
evangelical c\nsels1 is recomm5d$ to    
all4 ,! ,fa!rs say t ^! words1 ,he t c  
take1 let him take x1 mean1 ,he t is    
will+ to take ?is c\nsel let him take x4
 ,& ,/4 ,paul says3 ,i w\ld t all m5 7  
ev5 z myself4   ,q4 ,:at if "o %\ld     
exhort p 9 g5]al to *oose matrimony z a 
/ate pref]able to p]petual *a/ity8  ,a4 
,su* a "o w\ld be speak+ aga9/ fai?1 z  
we h se5 9 ! *apt] on ,virg9ity4 ,!     
,cate*ism ( ! ,c\ncil ( ,tr5t says3 ,z x
 is ! duty ( ! pa/or to propose to      
himself ! hol9ess & p]fection ( !       
fai?ful1 8 e>ne/ desires mu/ be 9 full  
accordance ) ^? ( ! ,apo/le :51 writ+ to
 ! ,cor9?ians1 he says3 ',i w\ld t all  
m5 7 ev5 z myself2' t is1 cont9ue !     
,fa!rs ( ,tr5t1 t all embrac$ ! virtue (
 cont95ce4 ,! m>g9al rsum ( ?is p>agraph

 9 ! ,cate*ism ( ! ,c\ncil ( ,tr5t is3  
,a life ( cont95ce to be desir$ by all4 
#c4 ,ob$i5ce4   ,q4 ,:i* is ! ?ird      
evangelical c\nsel8  ,a4 ,entire        
ob$i5ce2 t is1 a total subjection ( "o's
 w to t ( lawful sup]iors 9 all t is n  
s94   ,q4 ,:at ,scripture w>rant h we = 
?is c\nsel8  ,a4 ,! life ( ,*ri/ 0 a    
cont9ual model ( p]fect ob$i5ce4 ,f     
twelve to ?irty ye>s ( age all t we are 
told ( ,him 9 ! ,sacr$ ,scriptures is t 
,he w5t d[n ) !m1 & came to ,naz>e?1 & 0
 subject to !m4 ,ob$i5ce is a mo/       
effectual means ( subdu+ self-w &       
self-love1 :i* are our mo/ fatal        
enemies4 ,an ob$i5t man %all speak (    
victory1 because ob$i5ce draws d[n a mo/
 special & abundant grace2 = s pleas+ is
 x to ,god t ,he says ( x3 ,ob$i5ce is  
bett] ?an sacrifices4     ,,*apt] ,,vii4
  ,,! ,,religi\s ,,/ate4   ,q4 ,:at is !
 fundam5tal pr9ciple or ess5ce ( !      
religi\s /ate8  ,a4 ,! ?ree evangelical 
c\nsels1 :i* we h j expla9$4 ,^? :o ent]
 ! religi\s /ate take v[s to obs]ve !   

c\nsels ( pov]ty1 *a/ity1 & ob$i5ce4    
,q4 ,:y d s _m p ent] ! religi\s /ate8  
,a4 ,fir/1 to promote ! honor & glory ( 
,god2 second1 to escape ! dang]s ( ! _w1
 & ! m securely to "w out _! salvation2 
=1 ,:at do? x pr(it a man1 if he ga9 !  
:ole _w1 & suff] ! loss ( 8 own s\l8    
,our bless$ ,"l ,himself assures u t _m 
are call$1 b few are *os54 ,/rive to    
ent] at ! n>r[ gate4   ,q4 ,:y are      
religi\s happi] & m *e]ful ?an o!rs8    
,a4 ,on acc\nt ( _! peace ( m9d1 & _!   
great] hope ( ! et]nal rew>ds promis$ to
 ^? especially :o leave all to foll[    
,jesus ,*ri/4   ,q4 ,9 :at o!r way d y  
expla9 ! happ9ess enjoy$ by religi\s8   
,a4 ,!re is a m>vell\s happ9ess to be   
f\nd 9 hol9ess ( life1 because ! v>i\s  
degrees ( hol9ess are s _m /eps t[>ds   
,god1 ! c5tre & s\rce ( all happ9ess4   
,!re=e ! happ9ess ( ! religi\s /ate is l
 t treasure hidd5 9 a field1 :i* a man  
hav+ f\nd1 hid x1 & = joy !re( goe?1 &  
selle? all t lie ha?1 & buye? t field4  
,q4 ,are religi\s useful to o!rs z well 

z to !mselves8  ,a4 ,religi\s br+ _m    
bless+s to mank9d by ex]cis+ ! corporal 
& spiritual works ( m]cy1 & by in/ruct+ 
_m unto ju/ice4  ,religi\s foll[ 9 a    
special mann] ! admonition ( ! ,apo/le3 
,labor ! m1 t by good works y may make  
sure y\r call+ & election4  ,besides    
mak+ _! own salvation m secure1 religi\s
 und\bt$ly contribute to ! salvation (  
?\s&s ( s\ls4   ,q4 ,?is ?\ght is       
c]ta9ly v />tl+1 b h[ c ! matt] be      
expla9$8  ,a4 ,next aft] ! prie/s (     
,god1 religi\s contribute mu* to keep up
 ! fai? & ! spiritual life ( ! ,*ur*4   
,! pr9cipal cause ( ! loss ( innum]able 
s\ls is ! want ( e>ly religi\s tea*+ &  
religi\s tra9+4 ,by ! v>i\s tea*+       
communities ( religi\s prie/s1 bro!rs1 &
 si/]s1 ?\s&s are sav$2 = 9 y\? _!      
pupils acquire a love & a practical k ( 
fai?2 !y are nurtur$ 9 purity & piety1 &
 !y are enlight5$ & enc\rag$ 9 habits ( 
indu/ry & sobriety4  ,! good t religi\s 
tea*]s accompli% is n conf9$ to "o class
 or to a life's "w2 =1 ?r\gh ! pupils1 !

 result ( religi\s tra9+ w ext5d to     
g5]ations yet unborn4   ,q4 ,c y        
illu/rate ?is pr9ciple by p>ticul>      
in/ances8  ,a4 ,yes2 a c]ta9 religi\s   
si/] has be5 in/rum5tal 9 ! h&s ( ,god 9
 fo/]+ vocations 9 num]\s "y m51 eight (
 :om h already become prie/s2 & out ( a 
numb] ( girls taught & tra9$ by h] dur+ 
?irty ye>s1 sixty-f\r h become religi\s 
si/]s4 ,^! latt] h be5 = ye>s tea*+1 &  
m\ld+ ! *>act]s ( *ildr51 & ?us protect+
 !m aga9/ ! deceitful sn>es ( ! _w2 &1  
besides ! c\ntless ho/s ( good ,*ri/ians
 prep>$ by !m = ! ,*ur* & = society1 ^! 
sixty-f\r si/]s h1 9 _! turn1 fo/]$ _m  
vocations to ! prie/hood & to ! religi\s
 /ate4  ,9 ,fa!r ,abbel5's beautiful    
biography ( ,"m ,c>ol9e we read _m su*  
elevat+ s5tim5ts z ! foll[+3 ,x 01 above
 all1 h] ard5t1 fai?-inspir$ love (     
*ildr5 t ga9$ _! he>ts & ex]cis$ an     
irresi/ible influ5ce ov] _! affections4 
,?us did ,"m ,c>ol9e unconsci\sly       
attract "y girls & inspire !m ) a wi% to
 become si/]s4   ,q4 ,9 :at o!r way d   

religi\s contribute to ! salvation (    
s\ls8  ,a4 ,f ?\s&s ( hospitals & o!r   
asylums ( m]cy & *>ity numb]less s\ls g 
up daily to heav5 aft] hav+ re=m$ _!    
lives "u ! nurs+ h&s1 ! hopeful words1 &
 ! pray]ful he>ts ( religi\s m5 & wom54 
,,*apt] ,,viii4  ,,m>ks ,,( ,a          
,,vocation ,,to ,,! ,,religi\s ,,/ate4  
,q4 ,:i* are ! m>ks ( a vocation to !   
religi\s /ate8  ,a4 ,no m>k1 or set (   
m>ks1 is equally applicable to all1     
because ,god calls p]sons to ! high]    
/ates 9 v>i\s ways2 yet a firm w to ent]
 religion is a safe m>k ( a vocation to 
! religi\s /ate1 provid$ t ! motives are
 good & no s]i\s ob/acle exi/s4 ,?is    
firm w itself is a special grace ( ,god1
 = x is ,god :o worke? 9 y bo? to w & to
 accompli%1 accord+ to ,8 good w4 ,9 !  
invitation to ! c\nsels ! w is ! only   
condition m5tion$ by ,our ,"l3 ,if ?\   
wilt be p]fect1 g sell :at ?\ ha/1 &    
give to ! poor1 & ?\ %alt h treasure 9  
heav52 & come1 foll[ ,me4  ,common s5se 
proves ! same2 = no "o que/ions !       

vocation ( a p]son :o is det]m9$1 :o    
s9c]ely wi%es1 to become a religi\s1 if 
!re is no imp$im5t4   ,q4 ,is a firm w !
 only m>k ( a vocation to ! religi\s    
/ate8  ,a4 ,no2 = ! grace ( a vocation  
to a high] /ate may be (f]$ to p]sons ( 
weak w1 z 0 ! case ( ! "y man ( !       
,gospel :o 0 evid5tly call$ to be a     
disciple ( ,our ,"l1 b he w5t away sad1 
= he _h great possessions4 ,8 w 0 n firm
 en\gh to reject ! temptations caus$ by 
! ri*es & pleasures ( ! _w4 ,in/ead (   
correspond+ to 8 vocation he tri$ to hu%
 ! voice ( consci5ce speak+ to 8 he>t4  
,q4 ,by :at o!r m>k may a p]son         
recognize a vocation to ! religi\s /ate8
  ,a4 ,! int]ior voice ( consci5ce1     
solicit+ ! w ?r\gh ! intellect1 &       
sugge/+ ! religi\s /ate1 is a m>k ( a   
vocation4   ,q4 ,b h[ are we to         
recognize ?is voice ( consci5ce8  ,a4   
,?is voice ( consci5ce1 :i* is no?+ else
 b ! grace ( ,god speak+ to ! he>t1 is  
he>d & recogniz$ 9 v>i\s ways3 ) "s x   
has be5 l+]+ 9 ! he>t s9ce *ildhood2 to 

o!rs x comes lat] & m sudd5ly4 ,?is     
prompt+ ( grace may result f read+1 f a 
s]mon1 a mission1 a conv]sation1 an     
example1 ! dea? ( a fri5d or an         
acqua9tance1 or ev5 f mis=tune &        
disappo9tm5t4 ,9 a ^w1 ?is int]ior voice
 may be occasion$ by ! ?\ghts &         
reflections ( our m9d1 no matt] :at     
caus$ ^! reflections4   ,q4 ,c y give "s
 examples %[+ ! effects ( ?is int]ior   
voice8  ,a4 ,yes2 ,/4 ,an?ony1 he>+ at  
,mass ! words1 ,if ?\ wilt be p]fect1 g 
sell :at ?\ ha/1 & give to ! poor1 & ?\ 
%alt h treasure 9 heav52 & come1 foll[  
,me1 became s inflam$ ) ! desire (      
secur+ 8 salvation t he gave away all 8 
va/ possessions & l$ a long life (      
p5ance & pray] 9 ! des]t4  ,by m$itat+  
on ! life1 passion1 & dea? ( ,jesus     
,*ri/ ,/4 ,francis ( ,assisi 0 fill$ )  
su* a burn+ zeal = ,god & 8 neighbor t  
he r5\nc$ 8 great weal?1 & 8 "r to an   
honorable inh]itance1 & sp5t 8 life 9   
inflam+ o!rs ) zeal = ! salvation (     
s\ls4  ,! f\l sight & ! /5* ( ! corpse (

 ! ,empress ,isabella op5$ ! eyes (     
,francis ,borgia to ! folly ( a worldly 
life4 ,he r5\nc$ ! _w & ent]$ ! ,society
 ( ,jesus1 :]e he sanctifi$ himself1    
?9k+ (t5 ( ! et]nal torm5ts ( hell4     
,q4 ,:at1 !n1 is ! pr9cipal diff]5ce 9 !
 feel+s or emotions ( ^? call$ to !     
religi\s /ate8  ,a4 ,"s p1 hav+ _! w    
inflam$ ) a love = ! religi\s /ate1 ent]
 x ) great pleasure1 & )\t any que/ions 
ab\t ! matt]2 o!rs ent] x only :5 _!    
und]/&+ has become s enlight5$ z to     
discov] ! vanity & dang]s ( ! _w1 & :5  
!y see cle>ly ! great] security (       
salvation 9 ! religi\s /ate4 ,^! latt]  
p]sons may ev5 be some:at dull 9 _!     
affection = ?is /ate1 & n s incl9$1     
humanly1 to foll[ t :i* reason & fai?   
po9t out to !m2 9 _! l[]1 animal feel+s 
!y may ev5 exp]i5ce a k9d ( repugnance  
to d :at _! high] reason+ p[]s dictate  
to !m4 ,?is second k9d ( vocation is    
bett] ?an ! fir/1 & m g5]ally approv$ by
 ^? :o are exp]i5c$ 9 su* matt]s2 =1 be+
 gr\nd$ on reason & fai?1 x is less     

subject to error1 & m likely to atta9 ! 
cr[n ( p]sev]ance4   ,q4 ,:i* are !     
prop] motives = ent]+ ! religi\s /ate8  
,a4 ,! fir/ motive %\ld be ! great]     
security ( our own salvation2 ! second1 
to promote ! glory ( ,god by a good life
 & by contribut+ to ! salvation ( o!rs4 
,q4 ,:i* are ! imp$im5ts to entrance    
into religion8  ,a4 ,! ord9>y imp$im5ts 
are ill heal?1 unsuitable age1 & !      
obligation ( support+ poor & helpless   
p>5ts4     ,,*apt] ,,ix4  ,,d\bts ,,ab\t
 ,a ,,vocation ,,to ,,! ,,religi\s      
,,/ate4  ,views ( ,/4 ,ignatius & ,/4   
,francis de ,sales4   ,q4 ,:at %\ld be  
done by a p]son :o ?9ks ( ent]+ !       
religi\s /ate1 b fe>s t he may n be     
call$ to x by ,almighty ,god8  ,a4 ,/4  
,ignatius1 ! f\nd] ( ! ,jesuit ,ord]1   
gives an excell5t answ] to ?is "q4 ,he  
says3 ,if a p]son ?9ks ( embrac+ a      
secul> life1 he %\ld ask & desire m     
evid5t signs t ,god calls him to a      
secul> life ?an if !re 7 "q ( embrac+ ! 
evangelical c\nsels2 = ,our ,"l ,himself

 has evid5tly exhort$ u to embrace ,8   
c\nsels1 &1 on ! o!r h&1 ,he has        
evid5tly laid be=e u ! great dang]s &   
difficulties ( a secul> life2 s t1 if we
 rightly conclude1 revelations &        
extraord9>y tok5s ( ,8 w are m necess>y 
= a man ent]+ ^u a life 9 ! _w ?an = "o 
ent]+ ! religi\s /ate4   ,q4 ,is ?is    
doctr9e ( ,/4 ,ignatius support$ by     
,sacr$ ,scripture8  ,a4 ,?is doctr9e is 
9 p]fect h>mony ) ! tea*+ ( !           
,scriptures4 ,our bless$ ,"l says3 ,woe 
to ! _w because ( sc&als2 & ,/4 ,john1 !
 belov$ disciple1 says3 ,if any man love
 ! _w1 ! *>ity ( ! ,fa!r is n 9 him2 =  
all t is 9 ! _w is ! concupisc5ce ( !   
fle%1 & ! concupisc5ce ( ! eyes1 & !    
pride ( life4   ,q4 ,c y quote o!r      
reliable au?ority on ?is matt] ( unc]ta9
 vocations8  ,a4 ,yes2 ,lehmkuhl1 a /&>d
 !ologian1 says3 ,9 ord] t a p]son may  
safely embrace ! religi\s /ate probable 
signs ( a vocation are suffici5t1 toge!r
 ) a firm w ( fulfill+ ! obligations to 
be assum$4   ,q4 ,:at does ,/4 ,francis 

de ,sales tea* on ?is po9t8  ,a4 ,on ?is
 subject ,/4 ,francis de ,sales says3   
,to h a sign ( a true vocation x is n   
necess>y t our con/ancy be s5sible2 x   
suffices if our good int5tion rema9s 9 !
 sup]ior "p ( our s\l4 ,& !re=e we mu/ n
 judge t a vocation is n a true "o if a 
p]son does n feel s5sible movem5ts4     
,q4 ,:at if ?is div9e call %\ld *ange to
 coldness & repugnance8  ,a4 ,/4        
,francis de ,sales answ]s3 ,x is en\gh t
 ! w rema9s firm 9 n ab&on+ ! div9e     
call1 & also t "s affection rema9s = ?is
 call1 ev5 ?\gh a p]son %\ld feel a     
coldness & repugnance :i* sometimes     
cause him to wav] & to fe> t all is lo/4
   ,q4 ,:at does ,/4 ,francis de ,sales 
say ab\t expect+ direct pro(s f ,god8   
,a4 ,/4 ,francis says3 ,to "k :e!r ,god 
w h a p]son become a religi\s x is n to 
be expect$ t ,god ,himself %\ld speak1  
or s5d an angel f heav5 to signify ,8 w4
 ,x is n necess>y t t5 or twelve        
confessors %\ld exam9e :e!r ! vocation  
is to be foll[$4 ,b x is necess>y to    

correspond ) ! fir/ movem5t ( !         
inspiration1 & to cultivate x1 & !n n to
 gr[ we>y if disgu/ or coldness %\ld    
come on4 ,if a p]son acts ?us1 ,god w n 
fail to make all succe$ to ,8 glory4    
,nor ought we to c>e mu* f :at qu>t] !  
fir/ movem5t comes4 ,! ,"l has _m ways (
 call+ s]vants4     ,,*apt] ,x4         
,,enc\rag+ ,,o!rs ,,to ,,ent] ,,!       
,,religi\s ,,/ate4   ,q4 ,is x all[able 
to enc\rage ^? :o give signs ( a        
vocation to ent] ! religi\s /ate8  ,a4  
,/4 ,?omas1 ! angel ( ! s*ools1 says3   
,^? :o lead o!rs into religion n only   
commit no s91 b ev5 m]it a great rew>d2 
= x is writt53 ',he :o cause? a s9n] to 
be conv]t$ f ! error ( 8 way %all save 8
 s\l f dea?1 & %all cov] a multitude (  
s9s'2 &1 ',!y t in/ruct _m to ju/ice    
%all %9e z />s = all et]nity4'  ,yet    
co]cion or =c+ 9 ?is matt]1 is =bidd5 by
 ! ,fa!rs ( ! ,c\ncil ( ,tr5t4   ,q4 ,we
 "k t ,/4 ,john ,*ryso/om1 z well z ,/4 
,?omas1 eloqu5tly def5d$ ! religi\s     
/ate2 :at does ?is holy & le>n$ doctor  

say on ?is po9t8  ,a4 ,/4 ,*ryso/om     
says3 ,if we knew t a place 0 unheal?y &
 subject to pe/il5ce1 w\ld we n )draw   
our *ildr5 f x1 )\t be+ /opp$ by ! ri*es
 t !y might heap up 9 x1 or by ! fact t 
_! heal? _h n z yet suff]$8 4 4 4 ,among
 secul>s %ipwrecks are m frequ5t &      
sudd51 because ! difficulties (         
navigation are great]2 b ) an*orites    
/orms are less viol5t1 ! calm is almo/  
undi/urb$4 ,?is is :y we seek to draw z 
_m z we c to ! religi\s life4   ,q4 ,/4 
,j]ome read e kn[n au?or ( 8 "t1 & summ$
 up 9 himself ! doctr9e ( all2 :at does 
he tea* ab\t exhort+ o!rs to embrace !  
religi\s /ate8  ,a4 ,/4 ,j]ome writes   
?us to ,heliodorus3 ,i invite y3 make   
ha/e4 ,y h made light ( my entreaties2  
p]haps y w li/5 to my reproa*es4        
,effem9ate soldi]6 ,:at are y do+ "u !  
pat]nal ro(8 ,?\gh y\r "m te> h] hair & 
r5d h] g>m5ts1 ?\gh y\r fa!r /& on !    
?re%old & =bid y\r dep>ture1 y mu/ be   
deaf to ! voice ( nature1 & ha/5 )      
unmoi/5$ eye to enli/ "u ! bann] (      

,*ri/2 love = ,god & fe> ( hell easily  
break all *a9s4   ,q4 ,does ,/4 ,augu/9e
 tea* ! same doctr9e8  ,a4 ,yes2 ,/4    
,augu/9e says3 ,i h be5 passionately    
fond ( ! p]fection ( ! evangelical      
c\nsels2 ) ,god's grace ,i h embrac$ !m4
 ,) all ! p[] ,i h ,i exhort o!rs to d !
 same2 & ,i h companions :om ,i h       
succe$$ 9 p]suad+4   ,q4 ,:at does ,/4  
,b]n>d tea* ab\t ?is "q8  ,a4 ,enum]at+ 
! advantages ( religi\s above p]sons    
liv+ 9 ! _w1 ,/4 ,b]n>d says3 ,!y live m
 purely1 !y fall m r>ely1 !y rise m     
spe$ily1 !y are aid$ m p[]fully1 !y live
 m peacefully1 !y die m securely1 & !y  
are rew>d$ m abundantly4  ,! influ5ce   
:i* ,/4 ,b]n>d ex]cis$ by 8 lett]s &    
burn+ words 0 s effectual1 s            
irresi/ible1 t he 0 soon surr\nd$ by a  
company ( "y m51 :o n only *ang$ _! way 
( life1 b b\nd !mselves to him to foll[ 
! holy pa? :i* ,god _h trac$ out = him4 
,8 biograph]s tell u t ! doctr9e &      
eloqu5ce ( ,/4 ,b]n>d conc]n+ ! religi\s
 /ate 7 s p[]ful & conv9c+ t1 :5 he     

prea*$1 mo!rs conceal$ _! sons1 & wives 
hid _! husb&s1 & companions kept "o     
ano!r out ( ,b]n>d's way1 because he    
p]suad$ s _m to r5\nce ! _w & to embrace
 ! religi\s /ate4 99  99 ,see l>g]      
cate*ism ) examples3 ,que/ions on       
,vocations4   ,q4 ,is entrance into !   
religi\s /ate m important = "s ?an =    
o!rs8  ,a4 ,yes2 entrance into religion 
is a moral obligation = "s1 :il/ x is a 
privilege = o!rs4  ,! two foll[+ pages w
 make ?is po9t cle>4  ,?is page expla9s 
! ,obligation4  ,"s are s evid5tly call$
 to ! religi\s /ate t !y are morally    
oblig$ to obey ! call4  ,pro(s ( ?is    
doctr9e3  #a4 ,! pr9ciple itself (      
special vocations4 ,:o sep>at$ me f my  
"m's womb1 & call$ me by ,8             
grace4--,,gal4 i4 #ae4  ,! manife/ation 
( ! ,_s is giv5 to e man unto pr(it 4 4 
4 divid+ to e "o accord+ z ,he w4--#a4  
,,cor4 xii4 #g1 #aa4  #b4 ,!re are v _m 
:o _c ent] heav5 unless !y ab&on all    
?+s4--,,/4 ,,gregory ,,! ,,great4  #c4  
,if we wi% to secure our et]nal         

salvation1 we mu/ embrace t /ate ( life 
to :i* ,god calls u4--,,/4 ,,liguori4   
#d4 ,! *oice ( a /ate ( life decides    
:e!r our conduct %all be good or        
bad4--,,/4 ,,gregory ,,nazianz54  #e4 ,x
 is v difficult to save "o's self 9 a   
/ate ( life 9 :i* ,god does n wi% "o to 
be4--,,/4 ,,v9c5t ,,de ,,paul4  #f4 ,y  
run well1 b out ( ! way2 he :o does     
little1 b 9 ! /ate to :i* ,god calls    
him1 does m ?an he :o labors mu*1 b 9 a 
/ate :i* he has ?\ghtlessly *os52 a     
cripple limp+ 9 ! "r way is bett] ?an a 
rac] out ( x4--,,/4 ,,augu/9e4  #g4 ,o  
h>d-he>t$ fa!r2 ,o cruel "m2 y wi% r t  
we p]i% ) y 7by rema9+ 9 ! _w7 ?an be   
sav$ )\t y4--,,/4 ,,b]n>d4  ,?is page   
expla9s ! ,privilege4  ,!re are yet _m m
 p]sons :o h ! privilege ( ent]+ !      
religi\s /ate )\t a moral obligation (  
do+ s4  ,ev5 ?\gh p]sons %\ld h         
vocations to ! m>riage /ate 9 ! s5se t  
,god w\ld n require any?+ high] ( !m1   
yet !y are privileg$ to ent] ! religi\s 
/ate if no imp$im5t exi/s4  ,pro(s ( ?is

 doctr9e3  #a4 ,! ,,m9d ( ,*ur*4 ,!     
,*ur* sacr$ly gu>ds = all h] *ildr5 !   
privilege ( ent]+ ! religi\s /ate1 ev5  
aft] promise ( m>riage3 ,be zeal\s = !  
bett] gifts4 ,& ,i %ew unto y yet a m   
excell5t way4  #b4 ,x is ( fai? t       
virg9ity is pref]able to matrimony3 ,if 
any "o sai? t ! m>riage /ate is to be   
pref]r$ be=e ! /ate ( virg9ity1 let him 
be ana!ma4--,,c\ncil ,,( ,,tr5t4  ,!    
religi\s /ate is a m usual & a saf] way 
( pres]v+ virg9ity ?an a life 9 ! out]  
_w4  #c4 ,! invitation to ! c\nsels is  
g5]al2 x may be accept$ by anyone :o is 
n prev5t$ by "s p>ticul> imp$im5t1 z    
m>riage1 sickness1 or home obligations4 
,! ?ree c\nsels--( pov]ty1 *a/ity1 &    
ob$i5ce--con/itute ! sub/ance1 ( !      
religi\s /ate4--,,su>ez4  #d4 ,i say to 
! unm>ri$1 & to ! wid[s3 x is good = !m 
if !y s cont9ue1 ev5 z ,i4 4 4 4 ,!     
unm>ri$ woman & ! virg9 ?9ke? on ! ?+s (
 ! ,"l1 t %e may be holy bo? 9 body & 9 
_s4 ,b %e t is m>ri$ ?9ke? on ! ?+s ( ! 
_w1 h[ %e may please h] husb&4--,,/4    

,,paul4  #e4 ,z x is ! duty ( ! pa/or to
 propose to himself ! hol9ess &         
p]fection ( ! fai?ful1 8 e>ne/ desires  
mu/ be 9 full accordance ) ^? ( !       
,apo/le :51 writ+ to ! ,cor9?ians1 he   
says3 ',i w\ld t all m5 7 ev5 z myself2'
 t is1 t all embrac$ ! virtue (         
cont95ce4--,,cate*ism ,,( ,,c\n4 ,,tr5t4
  #f4 ,a life ( cont95ce to be desir$ by
 all4--,m>g9al rsum ( ! above p>agraph1 
,,cate*ism ,,( ,,c\n4 ,,tr5t1 page #bbe4
  #g4 ,9 ! _w !re is a va/ numb] ( wom5 
:o damn _! s\ls2 ! numb] ( ^? :o lose _!
 s\ls 9 conv5ts is v small4-- ,,/4      
,,liguori4     ,,*apt] ,,xi4  ,,means   
,,( ,,pres]v+ ,a ,,vocation ,,to ,,!    
,,religi\s ,,/ate4--,,"s ,,ob/acles4    
,q4 ,:at are ! means ( pres]v+ a        
vocation :il/ prep>+ to ent] ! religi\s 
/ate8  ,a4 ,pray]1 retirem5t1 &         
promptness 9 ent]+ religion4   ,q4 ,:y  
is retirem5t1 or seclusion f ! _w1      
necess>y 9 ord] to pres]ve ! grace ( a  
religi\s vocation8  ,a4 ,because an     
app>5tly trifl+ circum/ance (t5 causes !

 loss ( su* a vocation4 ,a day (        
amusem5t1 a disc\rag+ ^w1 ev5 f a fri5d1
 an unmortifi$ passion1 or a            
conv]sation1 especially ) a p]son ( !   
opposite sex1 (t5 suffices to br+ to    
naught ! be/ resolution ( giv+ "o's self
 entirely to ,god4   ,q4 ,:y %\ld a     
vocation to ! religi\s /ate be foll[$   
promptly8  ,a4 ,/4 ,john ,*ryso/om1 z   
quot$ by ,/4 ,?omas1 says3 ,:5 ,god     
gives su* vocations1 ,he wills t we %\ld
 n def] ev5 = a mom5t to foll[ !m2 = :5 
! devil _c br+ a p]son to give up 8     
resolution ( consecrat+ himself to ,god1
 he at lea/ seeks to make him def] !    
execution ( x1 & he e/eems x a great ga9
 if he c obta9 ! delay ( "o day1 or ev5 
( "o h\r4  ,because1 cont9ues ,/4       
,liguori1 aft] t day1 or t h\r1 o!r     
occasions pres5t+ !mselves1 x w be less 
difficult = ! devil to obta9 great]     
delay1 until ! p]son1 f9d+ himself m    
feeble & less assi/$ by grace1 gives way
 altoge!r1 & loses 8 vocation4  ,/4     
,j]ome gives ?is advice to ^? :o are    

call$ to quit ! _w3 ,make ha/e4 ,i      
besee* y1 & r cut ?an loos5 ! rope by   
:i* y\r b>k is b\nd fa/ to ! l&2 t is1  
break at once all ties t b9d y to ! _w4 
,q4 ,:at o!r reason may be giv5 :y a    
religi\s vocation %\ld be foll[$        
promptly8  ,a4 ,l o!r graces1 ! grace ( 
a religi\s vocation is transi5t2 x may  
be (f]$ to-day1 & if n accept$1 x may be
 )drawn to-morr[3 ,to-day if y %all he> 
,8 voice1 h>d5 n y\r he>ts4 ,exhort "o  
ano!r e day1 :il/ x is call$ to-day1 t  
none ( y be h>d5$ ?r\gh ! deceitfulness 
( s94     ,,*apt] ,,xii4  ,,*ildr5 ,,&  
,,! ,,religi\s ,,/ate4   ,q4 ,at :at age
 may *ildr5 ent] ! religi\s /ate8  ,a4  
,! ,c\ncil ( ,tr5t tea*es t "y p]sons   
are p]mitt$ to take _! v[s 9 ! religi\s 
/ate at ! age ( sixte51 aft] mak+ at    
lea/ "o ye>'s novitiate4  ,! m9d & ! _s 
( ! ,*ur* %[ t y\? is ! be/ "t to make  
?is agreeable sacrifice to ,god2 & ev5 !
 ,holy ,gho/ ,himself te/ifies to !     
same3 ,x is good = a man :5 he ha? borne
 ! yoke f 8 y\?4   ,q4 ,d n a l>g]      

p]c5tage p]sev]e :5 subjects ent] !     
religi\s /ate late 9 life8  ,a4 ,no2 !  
sup]iors ( sev]al ( ! l>ge/ & be/       
organiz$ communities te/ify t a l>g]    
p]c5tage p]sev]e ( ^? :o ent] "y4  ,! "y
 are m easily =m$ to religi\s discipl9e4
 ,:5 p]sons are tw5ty ye>s ( age1 or    
old]1 _! m9ds & *>act]s are less        
pliable2 x is h>d] to unb5d & rem\ld !m3
 ,a "y man1 accord+ to 8 way1 ev5 :5 he 
is old1 lie w n dep>t f x4   ,q4 ,is x1 
!n1 a mi/ak5 pr9ciple to try ! vocations
 ( "y p]sons by p]mitt+ !m to acquire   
exp]i5ce 9 ! ways ( ! _w be=e ent]+ !   
religi\s /ate8  ,a4 ,yes2 because he t  
love? dang] %all p]i% 9 x4 ,z reasonably
 might y place entic+ liquors be=e a man
 /ruggl+ aga9/ intemp]ance4  ,:5 ^! y\? 
are left to ! m]cy ( s _m entic+ &      
dang]\s influ5ces1 ) _! passions gr[+ )9
 !m1 & an en*ant+ _w smil+ ^u !m2 :5    
o!rs ar\nd !m are m>ry+ & giv+ 9        
m>riage2 :5 all are speak+ ( ! _w & ?9k+
 ( ! _w1 !y w naturally be influ5c$ by !
 moral atmosph]e 9 :i* !y live4  ,facts 

confirm ?is doctr9e2 = if1 ?r\gh _! own 
fault1 or ?r\gh ! fault ( _! p>5ts1 ^?  
hav+ vocations to ! religi\s /ate rema9 
9 ! out] _w until ! end ( _! te5s a l>ge
 p]c5tage ( !m lose _! vocations & /ay 9
 ! _w4  ,p]sons hav+ ?us lo/ _!         
vocations usually live worse lives ?an  
o!r ,*ri/ians1 on acc\nt ( ! abuse (    
grace4   ,q4 ,:at is to be done :5      
subjects _c ent] religion at an e>ly    
age8  ,a4 ,9 giv5 in/ances1 :5 *ildr5   
are unable to pursue a religi\s vocation
 at an e>ly age1 ! greate/ precaution   
%\ld be tak51 bo? by !mselves & by _!   
p>5ts & confessors1 to keep alive ^?    
high] & holi] inspirations :i* ! ,holy  
,gho/ diffuses m lib]ally at ! age (    
,fir/ ,communion1 & = ab\t two or ?ree  
ye>s aft]w>ds4   ,q4 ,does n ! ,holy    
,gho/ diffuse su* special graces ) equal
 lib]ality lat] 9 life8  ,a4 ,if su*    
special graces h n already be5 abus$1 ! 
,holy ,gho/ may (f] !m at any "t2 b lat]
 9 life ?is div9e se$ does n usually f9d
 su* well-prep>$ soil 9 ! he>t4 ,! e>ly 

lessons ( fai? & piety1 & ( ! fe> & love
 ( ,god1 easily become effac$ by contact
 ) ! _w4  ,religi\s vocations (t5 %>e ! 
fate ( ! se$ t fell by ! wayside & ! se$
 t fell among ?orns3 ,& ! c>es ( ! _w1 &
 ! deceitfulness ( ri*es1 & ! lu/s aft] 
o!r ?+s ent]+ 91 *oke ! ^w1 & x is made 
fruitless4   ,q4 ,does ,our ,"l manife/ 
any special pref]5ce = ! "y8  ,a4 ,yes2 
,he makes ! conduct ( *ildr5 ! /&>d =   
all :o w\ld be sav$3 ,unless y be       
conv]t$1 & become z little *ildr51 y    
%all n ent] into ! k+dom ( heav54 ,aga9 
,our ,"l says3 ,suff] ! little *ildr5 to
 come unto ,me1 & =bid !m n2 = ( su* is 
! k+dom ( ,god4   ,q4 ,:at practical    
conclusion may drawn f ^! words ( ,our  
,"l8  ,a4 ,comm5t+ on ^! words ( !      
,gospel1 ,/4 ,john ,*ryso/om says3 ,if  
*ildr5 are driv5 f ,*ri/1 :o w des]ve to
 g ne> ,him8 ,n[ x is evid5t t we get   
ne> ,jesus ,*ri/ ma9ly by ! practice ( !
 c\nsels4 ,*ildr51 !re=e1 %\ld n be kept
 f ,*ri/ by h9d]+ !m f practis+ ^!      
c\nsels4   ,q4 ,:at is ! doctr9e ( ,/4  

,?omas ) reg>d to religi\s vocations 9 !
 "y8  ,a4 ,on ?is matt] ,/4 ,?omas says3
 ,?is tea*+ is cle>ly ! outcome ( :at   
occurs e day among m54 ,= d we n see    
*ildr5 put e>ly to ^? avocations1 arts1 
or trades :i* !y are to foll[ 9 aft]    
life8 ,c&idates = ! sanctu>y beg9 9 y\? 
to acquire ! k :i* w help !m lat]2 ^?   
de/9$ = a milit>y c>e] are tra9$ to arms
 f _! e>ly ye>s2 & ! future tradesman is
 appr5tic$ :5 only a boy4 ,:y1 !n1 %\ld 
a rule s well obs]v$ 9 o!r sph]es be    
neglect$ 9 ! case ( a religi\s life8 ,i 
say ev5 m3 :5 a /ate ( life is att5d$ ) 
_m difficulties1 ! great] is ! ne$ to   
habituate "o's self f y\? to ov]come !m4
 ,h5ce we read 9 ,j]emias3 ',x is good =
 a man :5 he ha? borne ! yoke f 8 y\?4' 
,q4 ,are *ildr5 oblig$ to obey _! p>5ts 
9 ! *oice ( a /ate ( life8  ,a4 ,/4     
,liguori says3 ,x is c]ta9 t 9 ! *oice (
 a /ate ( life *ildr5 are n b\nd to obey
 _! p>5ts2 ?us ,/4 ,?omas & ! o!r       
,doctors tea* unanim\sly4 ,bo? p>5ts &  
*ildr5 %\ld rememb] ! reply ( ! apo/les 

to ! unju/ rul]s :o _h =bidd5 !m to     
prea* ,*ri/ crucifi$3 ,we ought to obey 
,god r ?an m54  ,example4  ,:5 ,/4      
,b]n>d & 8 bro!rs 7 bidd+ a f9al adieu  
to _! home & _! fa!r1 !y saw _! y\nge/  
bro!r at play ) o!r *ildr5 9 ! ca/le    
y>d4 ,! olde/ bro!r embrac$ him1 say+3  
,my little bro!r ,niv>d1 d y see ?is    
ca/le & ^! l&s8 ,well1 all ^! w be      
y\rs--y\rs alone4 ,:at6 repli$ ! *ild ) 
m ?an a *ild's ?\ghtfulness1 are y go+  
to take heav5 = y\rselves & leave e>? = 
me8 ,! division is unequal4 ,f t mom5t  
little ,niv>d c\ld n be re/ra9$ ei!r by 
8 fa!r1 8 relatives1 or any human       
influ5ce4 ,he jo9$ ,/4 ,b]n>d1 :o1 ) 8  
bro!rs & companions to ! numb] ( ?irty1 
set out = ! mona/]y ( ,citeaux4         
,,*apt] ,,xiii4  ,,duty ,,( ,,p>5ts     
,,reg>d+ ,,! ,,religi\s ,,vocation ,,(  
,,_! ,,*ildr54   ,q4 ,are n "s p>5ts    
unju/ t[>ds *ildr5 t wi% to ent] !      
religi\s /ate8  ,a4 ,yes2 un=tunately "s
 p>5ts are bo? unju/ & unreasonable ) _!
 *ildr5 9 ?is matt]4   ,q4 ,h[ is ?is   

unju/ & unreasonable conduct ( p>5ts m  
cle>ly %[n8  ,a4 ,:5 !re is "q ( m>riage
 ) a ri*1 or an influ5tial p]son1 _m    
p>5ts n only make no objection1 b ev5   
urge ! matt]1 :e!r su* a m>riage is ! w 
( ,god or n2 & yet :5 ! *ildr5 are      
evid5tly call$ by ,almighty ,god to     
high] & holi] /ates--to become sp\ses ( 
,jesus ,*ri/--^! same p>5ts object1 &   
place ob/acles 9 ! pa? ( _! *ildr54  ,_m
 p>5ts1 hav+ all[$ _! own fai? to become
 dead5$ by contact ) ! _w1 lose sight ( 
! sn>es & pitfalls be=e ! feet ( _!     
*ildr54   ,q4 ,:at d ! ,fa!rs ( ! ,*ur* 
say ( p>5ts :o oppose *ildr5 t wi% to   
ent] ! religi\s /ate8  ,a4 ,speak+ (    
religi\s vocations1 ,/4 ,?omas says3    
,frequ5tly our fri5ds accord+ to ! fle% 
are oppos$ to our spiritual good4  ,/4  
,liguori says3 ,p>5ts (t5 pref] to see  
_! *ildr5 damn$ ) !mselves r ?an to see 
!m sav$ away f !m4  ,on ?is subject ,/4 
,b]n>d exclaims3 ,o h>d-he>t$ fa!r6 ,o  
cruel "m6 ,unfeel+ s\ls6 ,y are n p>5ts1
 y are murd]]s2 = y grieve to see y\r   

son sav$1 & y rejoice at ! sight ( 8    
et]nal p]dition4  ,?is is "o ( ! ways 9 
:i*1 z ,our ,"l tells u3 ,a man's       
enemies %all be !y ( 8 own h\sehold4    
,h5ce ! t\*+ admonition ( ! ,holy ,gho/ 
is p>ticul>ly applicable to a p]son     
call$ to ! religi\s /ate3 ,he>k51 ,o    
daught]1 & see1 & incl9e ?9e e>2 & =get 
?y p & ?y fa!r's h\se4  ,aga91 our      
bless$ ,"l says3 ,he t love? fa!r or "m 
m ?an ,me1 is n wor?y ( ,me4   ,q4 ,d   
p>5ts commit s9 9 prev5t+ _! *ildr5 f   
ent]+ ! religi\s /ate8  ,a4 ,if *ildr5  
!mselves incur imm95t dang] ( los+ _!   
s\ls by neglect+ a div9e vocation1 p>5ts
 t prev5t a vocation to ! religi\s /ate 
incur ! dang] ( damn+ bo? !mselves & _! 
*ildr54 ,su* p>5ts w h to answ] also = !
 et]nal loss ( all ^? s\ls t _! *ildr5  
w\ld h sav$ 9 ! religi\s /ate4   ,q4    
,:at is ! exact tea*+ ( !ology ) reg>d  
to p>5ts prev5t+ _! *ildr5 f ent]+ !    
religi\s /ate8  ,a4 ,/4 ,liguori gives !
 foll[+1 n only z 8 doctr9e1 b z ! tea*+
 ( !ologians 9 g5]al3 ,p>5ts :o1 )\t a j

 & c]ta9 cause1 prev5t _! *ildr5 f ent]+
 ! religi\s /ate _c be excus$ f mortal  
s92 & n only p>5ts1 b any "o :o prev5ts 
ano!r f foll[+ a religi\s vocation1 s9s 
mortally4   ,q4 ,:at does ! ,c\ncil (   
,tr5t tea* on ?is po9t8  ,a4 ,! ,fa!rs (
 ! ,c\ncil ( ,tr5t place "u ana!ma 7z   
accurs$7 ^? :o %all 9 any way1 )\t a j  
cause1 h9d] ! holy wi% ( virg9s or o!r  
wom5 to take ! veil or make _! v[s4     
7#ah? *apt]1 #be? session47   ,q4 ,does 
,god1 ev5 9 ?is life1 puni% p>5ts = hav+
 prev5t$ ! high] vocations ( _! *ildr58 
,a4 ,yes2 9 puni%m5t = ?us ?w>t+ ,8     
designs ,god (t5 puni%es p>5ts by "s    
mis=tune1 su* z ! premature dea? or !   
reckless life ( _! *ildr54   ,q4 ,is n  
long delib]ation z well z ! advice ( _m 
fri5ds necess>y 9 ord] to avoid mi/akes8
  ,a4 ,/4 ,?omas says3 ,long delib]ation
 & advice are requir$ 9 d\btful matt]s1 
b 9 ^? ?+s :i* are c]ta9 & evid5t no    
c\nsel is requir$4  ,/4 ,?omas concludes
 8 article on ! religi\s /ate ) ^!      
beautiful words3 ,x is a sweet yoke1 &  

^? :o be> x on _! %\ld]s h ! promise (  
be+ "o day consol$ by ! delightful      
enjoym5t ( ,god & ! et]nal repose ( !   
s\l4     ,,*apt] ,,xiv4  ,,vocations    
,,to ,,! ,,prie/hood4   ,q4 ,is x       
necess>y to h a special vocation 9 ord] 
to ent] ! prie/hood8  ,a4 ,yes2 = ,/4   
,paul says3 ,nei!r do? any man take !   
honor to himself1 b he t is call$ by    
,god1 z ,a>on 04 ,our ,"l said to ,8    
disciples3 ,y h n *os5 ,me2 b ,i h *os5 
y1 & h appo9t$ y1 t y %\ld g1 & %\ld br+
 =? fruit1 & y\r fruit %\ld rema94 99   
99 ,= full] in=mation see l>g] cate*ism1
 ,que/ions on ,vocations4   ,q4 ,:i* are
 ! m>ks ( a vocation to ! prie/hood8    
,a4 ,! pr9cipal m>ks are3 #a1 a virtu\s 
life2 #b1 a pure int5tion2 #c1 a desire 
( becom+ a prie/4   ,q4 ,are n great    
tal5ts necess>y 9 ord] to ent] !        
prie/hood8  ,a4 ,no2 a p]son ( ord9>y   
tal5ts may become a v useful &          
successful prie/4   ,q4 ,:y is a virtu\s
 life necess>y 9 "o :o aspires to !     
prie/hood8  ,a4 ,/4 ,?omas1 ! angelic   

doctor1 gives ! foll[+ reasons3 ,we mu/ 
place ! sublime burd5 ( ! prie/hood only
 on walls already dri$ by sanctity2 t   
is1 fre$ f ! malignant humor ( s94 ,9   
ano!r place ! holy doctor says3 ,z he :o
 takes ord]s is rais$ above secul>s 9   
dignity1 s %\ld he be sup]ior to !m 9   
sanctity4   ,q4 ,:at is meant by a pure 
int5tion8  ,a4 ,! int5tion ( secur+ "o's
 own salvation & ( promot+ ! glory (    
,god by contribut+ to ! salvation (     
o!rs4   ,q4 ,:at is meant by ! desire to
 become a prie/8  ,a4 ,x means an       
int]ior feel+ or impulse ( grace incl9+ 
a p]son t[>ds ! prie/hood4   ,q4 ,h[ may
 ?is desire be obta9$8  ,a4 ,by consid]+
 ! goodness ( our bless$ ,"l1 ,8 life ( 
zeal1 & labor1 & ,8 burn+ desire to save
 s\ls2 ! honor & ! rew>d ( cont9u+ ,8   
"w2 by m$itat+ on "s passage ( ! ,sacr$ 
,scripture or ! tru?s ( et]nity2 by     
reflect+ on ! %ortness ( life & ! dang]s
 ( secul> pursuits4   ,q4 ,may ?is      
desire be acquir$ by ext]nal means8  ,a4
 ,yes2 ?is desire may be ! result ( a   

s]mon1 ( ! in/ructions ( pa/ors &       
tea*]s1 or ( advice & example4 ,x may   
come also f ! pray]s1 ! good example1 & 
! enc\ragem5t ( p>5ts4   ,q4 ,h[ may a  
p]son "k t ?is desire comes f ,god1 ev5 
indirectly8  ,a4 ,he c judge by !       
motives :i* prompt ?is desire2 a p]son  
evid5tly has a div9e vocation :5 8      
desire ( becom+ a prie/ is fairly       
cont9u\s2 :5 ! motives are good1 & no   
s]i\s ob/acle exi/s4     ,,*apt] ,,xv4  
,,d ,,vocations ,,to ,,! ,,prie/hood    
,,come ,,directly ,,f ,,god8   ,q4 ,is x
 necess>y t vocations to ! prie/hood    
%\ld come directly f ,god8 99  ,a4 ,no2 
g5]ally speak+1 ,god selects & prep>es  
,8 m9i/]s ?r\gh ^? :om ,he has appo9t$  
to wat* ov] ! int]e/s ( ,8 ,*ur*4 ,ev5  
,/4 ,paul did n receive 8 vocation      
directly f ,god4 ,he 0 conv]t$ directly1
 b to 8 "q3 ,"l1 :at wilt ,?\ h me to d8
 he receiv$ ?is answ]3 ,arise1 & g into 
! city1 & !re x %all be told !e :at !m  
mu/ d4 ,god made use ( ,ananias to      
communicate to ,/4 ,paul 8 vocation4  99

 ,almighty ,god1 :o usually employs     
second>y ag5ts 9 ! *oice ( ,8 m9i/]s1   
(t5 selects pi\s matrons = m\ld+ ! "* & 
direct+ ! /eps ( _! sons t[>d !         
sanctu>y4 7,ambassador ( ,*ri/1 by      
,c>d9al ,gibbons47 ,we highly recomm5d  
?is mo/ excell5t "w1 especially to      
/ud5ts1 p>5ts1 & aspirants to !         
prie/hood4   ,q4 ,did all ! o!r apo/les 
receive _! vocations directly f ,our    
,"l8  ,a4 ,no2 9 _! fir/ call sev]al ( !
 apo/les 7 br\ght to ,our ,"l by        
indirect means3 ,/4 ,&rew & ,/4 ,john ! 
,evangeli/ 7 s5t to ! ,savi\r by ,/4    
,john ! ,bapti/3 ,ecce ,agnus ,dei      
,behold ! ,lamb ( ,god4 ,& ! two        
disciples he>d him ,john ! ,bapti/      
speak1 & !y foll[$ ,jesus4  ,he ,&rew   
f9de? fir/ 8 bro!r ,simon1 & said to    
him3 ,we h f\nd ! ,messias2 4 4 4 & he  
br\ght him to ,jesus4  ,on ! foll[+ day 
he ,&rew w\ld g =? into ,galilee1 & he  
f9de? ,philip1 4 4 4 ,philip f9de?      
,na?anael1 & said to him3 ,we h f\nd    
,him ( :om ,moses 9 ! law1 & ! prophets 

did write1 ,jesus1 ! son ( ,joseph (    
,naz>e?4 ,at fir/ !re is a disagreem5t (
 views & s5tim5ts betwe5 ,philip &      
,na?anael1 s t ,philip _h to use        
p]suasion to br+ ,na?anael to 8 own way 
( ?9k+3 ,& ,na?anael said to him3 ,c    
any?+ ( good come f ,naz>e?8 ,philip    
sai? to him3 ,come & see4 ,jesus saw    
,na?anael com+ to ,him & ,he sai? ( him3
 ,behold an ,israelite1 inde$1 9 :om !re
 is no guile4 ,na?anael sai? to ,him3   
,:5ce kn[e/ ,?\ me8 ,jesus answ]$ & said
 to him3 ,be=e t ,philip call$ !e1 :5 ?\
 wa/ "u ! fig-tree1 ,i saw !e4  ,_m     
excell5t subjects1 _m a ,na?anael 9 :om 
!re is no guile1 may be f\nd loit]+ "u !
 fig-tree ( ! _w1 await+ "s zeal\s      
,philip to call !m to ,jesus4           
,,*apt] ,,xvi4  ,,fo/]+ ,,vocations ,,to
 ,,! ,,prie/hood4  ,! fa!rs ( ! ,c\ncil 
( ,baltimore on ,fo/]+ ,vocations4   ,q4
 ,is x all[able = prie/s1 p>5ts1 tea*]s1
 & o!rs to fo/] & enc\rage vocations to 
! prie/hood 9 ! y\? committ$ to _! c>e8 
,a4 ,x is n only all[able1 x is 9 "s    

measure a duty4   ,q4 ,h[ is ?is prov$8 
,a4 ,! ,fa!rs ( ! late ,pl5>y ,c\ncil ( 
,baltimore1 aft] ! example ( ! ,fa!rs ( 
! ,c\ncil ( ,tr5t1 give v cle> &        
practical in/ructions on ?is matt]4 ,!  
,fa!rs say3 ,we exhort 9 ! ,"l1 &       
e>ne/ly entreat pa/ors & o!r prie/s1 t  
!y w\ld dilig5tly turn _! m9ds to se>*+ 
aft] & f9d+ out1 among ! boys committ$  
to _! c>e1 su* z are fit = !            
ecclesia/ical /ate & seem call$ to x4   
,q4 ,are n "s p>5ts to be blam$ = _!    
indiff]5ce or _! opposition ) reg>d to  
high] vocations 9 _! *ildr58  ,a4 ,yes2 
! ,fa!rs ( ! ,second ,pl5>y ,c\ncil (   
,baltimore g5tly rebuke c]ta9 worldly   
m9d$ p>5ts = n fo/]+ vocations to !     
prie/hood 9 _! sons4 ,deplor+ ! lack (  
su* vocations1 ! ,fa!rs say 9 _! pa/oral
 lett]3 ,we fe> t ! fault lies 9 great  
"p ) _m p>5ts1 :o1 in/ead ( fo/]+ !     
desire s natural to ! y\?ful he>t (     
d$icat+ itself to ! s]vice ( ,god's     
sanctu>y1 b too (t5 imp>t to _! *ildr5  
_! own worldly-m9d$ness1 & seek to      

influ5ce _! *oice ( a /ate ( life by    
unduly exagg]at+ ! difficulties & dang]s
 ( ! prie/ly call+1 & pa9t+ 9 too gl[+  
colors ! advantages ( a secul> life4 ,to
 su* p>5ts we w\ld mo/ e>ne/ly appeal1  
implor+ !m n to int]f]e ) ! designs (   
,god on _! *ildr5 :5 !y p]ceive 9 !m a  
gr[+ disposition to atta* !mselves to ! 
s]vice ( ! alt>4  ,if ,god rew>ds !     
y\?ful piety ( y\r sons by call+ !m to  
m9i/] 9 ,8 sanctu>y1 ! highe/ privilege 
,he conf]s on man1 d n endeavor to give 
_! ?\ghts ano!r direction4 ,to ^? :om   
,god invites to co-op]ate ) ,him 9 ! mo/
 div9e ( all works1 ! salvation ( s\ls1 
! words ( ,*ri/ to ,8 apo/les are       
applicable3 ',am5 ,i say to y3 e "o t   
ha? left h\se1 or bro!rs or si/]s1 or   
fa!r or "m1 or wife or *ildr51 or l&s = 
,my "n's sake1 %all receive a           
hundr$fold1 & %all possess life         
ev]la/+4'     ,,*apt] ,,xvii4  ,,prev5t+
 ,,vocations ,,to ,,! ,,prie/hood4   ,q4
 ,is x a s9 to prev5t a p]son f foll[+ a
 vocation to ! prie/hood8  ,a4 ,yes2    

because1 z we h se51 ! salvation ( "o :o
 does n foll[ 8 vocation is greatly     
endang]$2 also because 9 su* a case !   
designs ( ,god w\ld be ?w>t$4  ,! late  
,ar*bi%op ,lyn*1 ( ,toronto1 is au?ority
 = ! /atem5t t ! av]age prie/ secures ! 
salvation ( five ?\s& s\ls4 ,?is means t
 on ! av]age1 = e "y man t becomes a    
prie/ !re w be five ?\s& s\ls less 9    
hell1 & five ?\s& m 9 heav51 = all      
et]nity4 ,h5ce he :o prev5ts a vocation 
to ! prie/hood %all be responsible = !  
loss ( num]\s s\ls4   ,q4 ,is x "r to   
pray = ! grace ( a vocation to !        
prie/hood8  ,a4 ,c]ta9ly2 ?is grace1 z  
well z o!r special graces1 may v        
appropriately be made ! object ( pray]4 
,our ,"l1 po9t+ out ! great numb] ( s\ls
 to be sav$1 said to ,8 disciples3 ,!   
h>ve/ inde$ is great1 b ! labor]s are   
few2 pray ye !re=e ! ,"l ( ! h>ve/1 t   
,he s5d =? labor]s into ,8 h>ve/4  ,_m  
p>5ts h by f]v5t1 humble1 & p]sev]+     
pray] obta9$ = _! sons ! grace ( be+    
call$ to ! sublime dignity ( !          

prie/hood4   ,q4 ,:5 a "y man asc]ta9s t
 he is call$ to ! prie/hood1 is 8       
vocation fully decid$8  ,a4 ,no2 because
 ! secul> prie/hood & ! religi\s        
prie/hood are di/9ct /ates ( life1 ea*  
hav+ its advantages & its               
responsibilities1 & !re=e a special     
vocation & special graces are necess>y =
 ea* ( ^! /ates4 ,h5ce 9 decid+ betwe5  
^! two /ates a p]son %\ld ?9k e>ne/ly1 &
 ask ! grace to "k :e!r he is call$ to !
 secul> or to ! religi\s prie/hood      
,,*apt] ,,xviii  ,,means ,,( ,,kn[+     
,,our ,,vocation4   #a4 ,pray]4  ,,/4   
,,james says3 ,if any ( y want wisdom1  
let him ask ( ,god1 :o give? to all m5  
abundantly1 & upbraide? n2 & x %all be  
giv5 to him4  ,?is wisdom1 accord+ to   
,cornelius  ,lapide1 is ! k ( our la/   
end & ( ! means ( atta9+ x4 ,"y p )\t   
exp]i5ce1 & hav+ yet to *oose a /ate (  
life1 h great ne$ ( ?is wisdom4 ,all ?+s
 :atsoev] y %all 9 pray]1 believ+1 y    
%all receive4  ,pray] is ! div9ely      
appo9t$ means ( obta9+ grace4 ,ask1 & y 

%all receive2 t y\r joy may be full4 ,"k
 ye t ! ,"l w he> y\r pray]s1 if y      
cont9ue ) p]sev]ance4 ,e "o t aske?1    
receive?2 & he t seeke?1 f9de?2 & to him
 t knocke?1 x %all be op5$4  ,:o is !   
man t c und]/& 8 own way8 ,god alone    
kn[s bo? ! ob/acles & ! helps t y are to
 meet 9 y\r way4 ,cry out1 !n1 ) !      
,royal prophet3 ,make ! way kn[n to me1 
:]e9 ,i %\ld walk2 = ,i h lift$ up my   
s\l to ,!e4  ,/4 ,liguori says3 ,we %\ld
 pray e>ne/ly to ,god to make kn[n to u 
,8 w1 :atev] may be ! /ate ,he has 9    
/ore = u4 ,d n fail to recomm5d y\rself 
9 a special mann] to our holy ,"m1 !    
,bless$ ,virg9 ,m>y1 besee*+ h] to obta9
 = y ! grace p]fectly to fulfil ! w ( h]
 div9e ,son4  ,9 all y\r d\bts &        
anxieties1 says ,/4 ,b]n>d1 ?9k ( ,m>y1 
call ^u h] "n4  #b4 ,fre$om f ,s94  ,:5 
mortal s9 reigns 9 ! s\l1 x acts l a d>k
 cl\d veil+ f u ! light ( heav53 ,=     
wisdom w n ent] into a malici\s s\l1 nor
 dwell 9 a body subject to s9s4 ,y\r    
iniquities h divid$ betwe5 y & y\r ,god1

 & y\r s9s h hid ,8 face f y4 ,! way ( !
 wick$ is d>ksome2 !y "k n h] into !    
wild]ness1 & ,i w speak to :]e !y fall4 
,god loves to communicate ,himself to ^?
 ^: he>ts are free f ! defilem5ts ( s94 
,bless$ are ! clean ( he>t2 = !y %all   
see ,god4 ,! clean ( he>t %all see ,god1
 n only 9 heav51 b ev5 9 ?is life2 !y   
%all see ,him 9 ,8 works & recognize ,8 
provid5ce 9 all ,8 designs3 ,to !m t    
love ,god1 all ?+s "w toge!r unto good4 
,h5ce he :o wi%es to asc]ta9 ! /ate (   
life :i* he %\ld embrace ought to keep  
himself con/antly 9 ! fri5d%ip ( ,god3  
,draw nigh to ,god1 & ,he w draw nigh to
 y4  #c4 ,humility4  ,e pr\d man is an  
abom9ation to ! ,"l4 ,god resi/e? !     
pr\d1 & give? grace to ! humble4 ,!     
pray] ( him t humble? himself %all pi]ce
 ! cl\ds2 & he w n dep>t till ! ,mo/    
,high behold4  #d4 ,retreat4  ,god loves
 to communicate ,8 *oice/ favors 9 !    
sil5ce ( retreat3 ,i w lead h] into !   
wild]ness & ,i w speak to h] he>t4  ,if 
y _c make a regul> retreat1 at lea/     

avoid all dissipation ( m9d2 retire into
 ! solitude ( y\r he>t1 aft] ! example (
 ,/4 ,ca?>9e ( ,si5a & o!r sa9ts1 always
 rememb]+ t ,god is ne> y & t ,he wi%es 
to speak to y\r he>t4  #e4 ,c\nsel4  ,my
 son1 d ?\ no?+ )\t c\nsel1 & ?\ %alt n 
rep5t :5 ?\ ha/ done4  ,y\r be/ advis]  
is y\r confessor4 ,?r\gh 8 own vocation 
he receives special helps f ,god4  ,to  
"k & to d ,god's w 9 ! *oice ( a /ate ( 
life is a grace :i* p>5ts %\ld e>ne/ly  
invoke ^u _! *ildr5 ev5 f infancy2 & x  
is important t ! *ildr5 !mselves1       
especially f ! "t ( _! ,fir/ ,communion1
 %\ld daily ask ( ,god ! grace to "k _! 
vocation4  ,= ?is purpose !y w\ld d well
 to say daily ?ree ,hail ,m>ys1 or !    
foll[+ beautiful pray] ( ,/4 ,b]n>d1 :i*
 might be appropriately said 9 common2 =
 :]e two or ?ree are ga!r$ toge!r 9 ,my 
"n1 !re am ,i 9 ! mid/ ( !m4  ,pray] (  
,/4 ,b]n>d4  ,rememb]1 ,o mo/ pi\s &    
compassionate ,virg9 ,m>y1 t f all ages 
x is unhe>d (1 t any "o 0 =sak5 :o1     
plac+ himself "u ?y mat]nal protection1 

implor$ ?y assi/ance & begg$ ! favor (  
?y pray]s4 ,animat$ ) ! confid5ce :i*   
?is inspires1 ,i fly to !e1 ,o ,virg9 ( 
virg9s & ,"m ( my ,god1 & 9 ! bitt]ness 
( my sorr[ ,i ?r[ myself at ?y feet4 ,o 
,"m ( ! ,et]nal ,^w1 despise n my humble
 supplication1 b li/5 graci\sly1 &      
m]cifully grant me ! reque/ :i* f my    
he>t ,i make to !e4 ,am54  ,an indulg5ce
 ( ?ree hundr$ days4    ,,pr9t$ ,,by    
,,b5zig] ,,bro!rs1 ,,new ,,york4