God Speaks More Effectually in the Soul, Than to It.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice in the soul, which is more powerful and pure than any other form of communication.
Francois Fenelon emphasizes the importance of simplicity and peace in the soul, likening it to a return to Paradise where there is contentment despite life's challenges. He highlights the satisfaction found in inner harmony, free from self-love and desires for worldly pleasures. Fenelon encourages staying in this 'terrestrial paradise' and not seeking knowledge of good and evil out of vanity. He also underscores the profound comfort of God's immediate presence and communication within the soul, surpassing the need for external sources like prophets.
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LETTER XXXIX.
God speaks more effectually in the soul, than to it.
Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to see you simple and peaceful. Simplicity brings back the state of Paradise. We have no great pleasures, and suffer some pain; but we have no desire for the former, and we receive the latter with thanksgiving. This interior harmony, and this exemption from the fears and tormenting desires of self-love, create a satisfaction in the will, which is above all the joys of intoxicating delights. Dwell, then, in your terrestrial paradise, and take good care not to leave it from a vain desire of knowing good and evil.
We are never less alone than when we are in the society of a single faithful friend; never less deserted, than when we are carried in the arms of the All-powerful. Nothing is more affecting than the instant succor of God. What He sends by means of his creatures, contracts no virtue from that foul and barren channel; it owes everything to the source. And so, when the fountain breaks forth within the heart itself, we have no need of the creature. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath, in these last days, spoken unto us by his Son." (Heb. i. 1,2.) Shall we then feel any regret that the feeble voice of the prophets has ceased? O how pure and powerful is the immediate voice of God in the soul! It is certain whenever Providence cuts off all the channels.
Sermon Outline
- The State of Paradise
- The Society of a Faithful Friend
- The Immediate Voice of God
- The voice of God in the soul is pure and powerful
- We have no need of the creature when the fountain breaks forth within the heart itself
Key Quotes
“Nothing gives me more satisfaction than to see you simple and peaceful.” — Francois Fenelon
“We have no great pleasures, and suffer some pain; but we have no desire for the former, and we receive the latter with thanksgiving.” — Francois Fenelon
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath, in these last days, spoken unto us by his Son.” — Francois Fenelon
Application Points
- We should strive to live in simplicity and interior harmony, receiving pain with thanksgiving.
- We should not rely on external channels of help, but instead seek the immediate voice of God in our souls.
- We should appreciate the instant succor of God, which is more affecting than any other help.