Works by François Fénelon
- Maxims of the Saints
Description: In 1688, Archbishop Fenelon met Madame Guyon, and came to deeply admire her for
her Christian piety. The two of them swiftly became very close friends. However, the
church urged Fenelon to condemn Guyon, for her attitude towards mysticism sparked
concerns of heresy. Ultimately, Fenelon refused to abandon his friend, and in response
to the church’s condemnation, he argued in forty-five points that saints from all eras had
held views similar to Guyon’s. These points are the Maxims of the Saints, and Fenelon’s
defense serves as one of the earliest arguments in favor of the movement that later
became known as Quietism.
Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff
- Spiritual Progress
Description:
Spiritual Progress is a collection of five powerful works intended for daily
devotions and personal reflection. These five inspiring works are composed by
three closely linked mystical thinkers of the 17th century--Francois
Fenelon, Madame Guyon, and Pere La Combe. Fenelon, an archbishop, wrote the
first two works, Christian Counsel and Spiritual Letters, which illustrate his
keen sense of spiritual counsel. Madame Guyon, a close friend of Fenelon, wrote
the next works, Method of Prayer and On the Way to God, which indicate the
importance of constant prayer. Pere La Combe, the spiritual director of Madame
Guyon, wrote the final work, Spiritual Maxims, which emphasizes the importance
of desire and love for God. Each stirring work is divided into short chapters,
making Spiritual Progress ideal for morning or evening devotions. It is thus a
wonderful book full of guidance for one's spiritual progress.
Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer
