Life of St John Vianney.pdf - the Catholic Kingdom!

"when""We"Men"144 THE CTJR OF ARS.tongues, have preserved the energy of mind, and the selfcommandnecessary to labour on with unabated ardourand perseverance, do much more for God,"said he,we do the same things without pleasure andwithout satisfaction. It is true that I daily expected tobe driven out ;to remain here for ever."but meanwhile I worked on as if I wereIt does not appear that during this time of fiery trialfrom his fellow- men, M. Vianney had toendure the farmore excruciating interior sufferings which were his portion at another period of his life."I was never so happy,""said he, as in those days ; the good God used to grantme everything I desired." It was also at this time thatthe concourse of pilgrims to Ars began to increase in sowonderful a manner.came," says M. Monnin,*from all countries, far and near, to this reprobate, thiiignorant, insane manj this hypocrite, to lay open the mostsecret recesses of their conscience, to consult him on themost intricate questions, to recommend themselves to hisprayers. His great miracles and his great works supported by large alms date also from this period."This persecution lasted for about eightyears. The holypriest lived it down. Never, during that long trial, didword or look betray a ruffle upon that supernaturalserenity, which reflected the image of God upon his soul.ft often happened that they who came to Ars to revileMid blaspheme, were softened and subdued by the veryaspect of one who could be hated and suspected only atu distance. It was impossible," says M. Monnin, toinsult him to his face." The sight of that serene countenance, with its expression of transparent simplicity, wasenough to change slanderers into friends.The prejudices of the clergy were the sooner dispelled,