The Mystical Explanation of the Canticle of Canticles

In a letter written some fifteen years after the death of St. Francis de Sales, St. Jane Frances de Chantal tells us how, in looking over the long-forgotten contents of an old disused box, many writings of the Saint were found, and among them an explanation of the Canticle of Canticles set out in the form of a meditation. She adds that she had never heard the Holy Founder speak of this treatise, but that the then Superioress of the Community declared that he had often preached on the subject to which it referred, in the early days of the Visitation.
We are thus led to see how at an early period the thoughts which ultimately found expression in the great treatise on the Love of God were already taking shape in the Saint’s mind ; and how, in the midst of many labours demanding the full exercise of that practical sense, which was so distinctive a quality of his character, he was living habitually in a higher region of very close union with God. The insight which a perusal of the “Mystical Explanation” gives us into the history of his spiritual development, is at the same time an incentive to all those who have to pass a life of activity in God’s service, to devote themselves without ceasing to loving thought of Divine things ; to maintain themselves in the midst of their labour closely united to God ; and to cultivate the interior spirit no less, but far more, than the manifestations of external zeal. It is a lesson that we all need at the present day, in the hurry and pressure of so many urgent duties.

In a letter written some fifteen years after the death of St. Francis de Sales, St. Jane Frances de Chantal tells us how, in looking over the long-forgotten contents of an old disused box, many writings of the Saint were found, and among them an explanation of the Canticle of Canticles set out in the form of a meditation. She adds that she had never heard the Holy Founder speak of this treatise, but that the then Superioress of the Community declared that he had often preached on the subject to which it referred, in the early days of the Visitation.
We are thus led to see how at an early period the thoughts which ultimately found expression in the great treatise on the Love of God were already taking shape in the Saint’s mind ; and how, in the midst of many labours demanding the full exercise of that practical sense, which was so distinctive a quality of his character, he was living habitually in a higher region of very close union with God. The insight which a perusal of the “Mystical Explanation” gives us into the history of his spiritual development, is at the same time an incentive to all those who have to pass a life of activity in God’s service, to devote themselves without ceasing to loving thought of Divine things ; to maintain themselves in the midst of their labour closely united to God ; and to cultivate the interior spirit no less, but far more, than the manifestations of external zeal. It is a lesson that we all need at the present day, in the hurry and pressure of so many urgent duties.

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Nisyros Publishers has a proud history of publishing high quality and rare titles.