'Beware of bad books,
and not for anything in the world allow your mind to be carried away
by certain books which captivate people of feeble brain power
because of certain subtleties which they savor....
On the contrary, have about you books of solid doctrine,
and especially Christian and spiritual books,
so as to find sound recreation in them from time to time.'
St. Francis de Sales
Painting: Edmund Charles Tarbell, in US public domain due to age
What a special picture - and such sound advice re. reading selections...
ReplyDeleteThank you. I love that picture - and the advice!
DeleteI want to know what she is reading. And I have an inclination it is thoughtful by the hand position on her face and temple. Feeding our minds and hearts and souls with good reading is a sacred occupation. So grateful for books that matter. The composition and the lighting in this painting is stunning. Thanks for sharing.....
ReplyDeleteIsn't the lighting wonderful? I continue to be amazed at the beautiful paintings I find, most from Wikimedia. Thanks so much.
DeleteSt. Francis de Sales would be appalled to see that most books (but not all) ARE bad today. But of course he does see this.
ReplyDeleteThank God we have saints like him to pray for us all!
DeleteSound and loving advice from a great Saint and father of souls!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Trish, and thanks be to God.
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