By the ladder of sanctity, men ascend and descend at the same time. All Christian sanctity is contained in two things: the knowledge of God, and the knowledge of self. 'Lord, that I may know Thee' cried St. Augustine, 'and that I may know myself'. A short prayer, but one opening out on to an infinite horizon. The knowledge of God elevates the soul; knowledge of self keeps it humble. CONTENTS Translator's Preface Author's Preface First Maxim: The Knowledge of God and the knowledge of self Second Maxim: Christian liberty and the active and passive ways Third Maxim: Good direction Fourth Maxim: The practice of the presence of God Fifth Maxim: Devotion to Our Lord Sixth Maxim: The Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist Seventh Maxim: Purity of intention, simplicity and uprightness Eighth Maxim: The natural spirit and the spirit of Christ Ninth Maxim: The outward and inward man Tenth Maxim: Recollection, active and passive Eleventh Maxim: A childlike spirit Twelfth Maxim: Fidelity Thirteenth Maxim: Mortification Fourteenth Maxim: Contemplative prayer Fifteenth Maxim: Difficulties in prayer Sixteenth Maxim: Temptations Seventeenth Maxim: Self-love Eighteenth Maxim: A retired love Nineteenth Maxim: Discretion Twentieth Maxim: Social relationships Twenty-first Maxim: Progress Twenty-second Maxim: Dependence on grace Twenty-third Maxim: Pure love and hope Twenty-fourth Maxim: Conclusion