Spiritual Maxims by John Nicholas Grou

Jean Nicholas Grou (1731 - 1803) was a French Jesuit, making his vows at the age of seventeen. He was afterwards employed in teaching. He interests lead him to Greek philosophy, and he went on to translate many of Plato's Laws and dialogues.

He became known to the Archbishop of Paris who employed him as a writer. In France he came into contact with a nun who encouraged him to enter upon the way of perfection and a life of prayer.

He observed, the rule of the Jesuits, which required rising every day at 4am without light, to make an hour's meditation, say his set prayers, and prepared for Mass, which he never failed to celebrate. He lived in the strictest poverty, having nothing of his own, but the clothes and books he needed.

This book records the spiritual gems that he collected from his strict life. He reflects a number of topics including:

- The Knowledge of God and the knowledge of self
- Christian liberty and the active and passive ways
- Devotion to Our Lord
- The Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist
- A childlike spirit
- Difficulties in prayer
- Temptations
- Social relationships
- Dependence on grace
- Pure love and hope

This app version is cross-linked with the World English Bible.