Choose a topic from Part 2B:

52. The Gift of Counsel

1. The gifts of the Holy Ghost dispose the soul to actvirtuously in accordance with the movements of grace. Now, asnatural counsel is the research of reason (that is, thethinking mind) which precedes the decision of the will, and istherefore a kind of self-advice, so supernatural counselis the divine advice and guidance imparted by the Holy Ghost.Supernatural counsel is one of the seven gifts of the HolyGhost.

2. The gifts are, as we have seen, a help to the virtues.The gift of counsel is, in a particular manner, a help to thevirtue of prudence.

3. The blessed in heaven no longer need the guidance ofthe gift of counsel, for their end is attained. Yet thesupernatural enlightenment that guided them home remains in them.Therefore, the blessed in heaven retain the gift of counsel.

4. Counsel shows the way to use means that an end may beattained. Now, the works of mercy, spiritual and corporal, are ofthe greatest service to man as means to get him on to heaven andhis last end. Therefore, counsel is particularly concerned with theworks of mercy. It is right to say that counsel corresponds to thefifth beatitude, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shallobtain mercy."

"Let persons in the world sanctify themselves in their own houses, for neither the court, professions, or labour, are any hindrance to the service of God."
St Philip Neri

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"Obedience is the true holocaust which we sacrifice to God on the altar of our hearts."
St Philip Neri

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"Let no one wear a mask, otherwise he will do ill; and if he has one, let him burn it."
St Philip Neri

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