1True devotion presupposes not a partial but a thorough love of God. In so far as divine love enriches us, it is called grace, making us pleasing to His Divine Majesty.
2In so far as it strengthens us to do good, it is called charity; but when it reaches such a degree of perfection that it makes us not only do good but do so carefully, frequently, and readily, it is called devotion.
3In short, devotion is simply a spiritual activity and liveliness by means of which Divine Love works in us, and causes us to work, briskly and lovingly.
4And just as charity leads us to a general practice of all God’s Commandments, so devotion leads us to practise them readily and diligently.
5He who does not go beyond the Commandments, but merely observes them, is virtuous; but he who goes further and embraces the counsels and the practices of devotion is devout.
6True devotion hinders no one, but rather perfects everything. When it goes contrary to one’s lawful vocation, it is undoubtedly false.
7It is an error, nay more, a heresy, to seek to banish the devout life from the army, the workshop, the court, or the home.
8Wherever we may be, we can and should aspire to the devout life. It adapts itself to every vocation, renders each more acceptable, and when rightly understood, injures none.
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