1011 introduction In this way, St. Stanislaus wishes to move his readers to repentance and conversion, as well as to gratitude to the One who suffered so much for us and who, by the example of His Passion, showed us how to amend our ways. The author concludes the principal part of this work by encouraging his readers to abide by those counsels with contrite hearts, trust, and love. No sinner, however great, should doubt his salvation, because everyone in this life may have recourse to the Divine Mercy; what is more, they ought to do so. As a true apostle of mercy, Fr. Papczyński addresses sinners in these words: “Are you afraid, whoever you are, crushed with the burden of many sins, at the edge of the abyss of hell, and its punishments, terrible, incurable, and unending? Sigh, flee, and hasten to the scourges of the Savior with true contrition: ‘Hoping in the Lord’ (Ps 31:10, Vulgate), lest justice punish, ‘His mercy will surround [you]’” (discourse III, 5). At the end of each discourse, the author places two couplets, written in dactylic pentameter and hexameter, thus creating the so-called elegiac couplet. The couplet usually expresses a complete thought. Sources of Preaching and Previous Editions. Father Papczyński bases his ascetical theology on the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the Fathers of the Church, including St. Ambrose, St. Athanasius of Alexandria, St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nazianzus, St. John Chrysostom, St. Jerome, St. Augustine, St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Leo the Great, St. Gregory the Great, St. Isidore of Seville, St. Peter Damian, St. Anselm of Canterbury, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Bonaventure, St. Laurence Justinian, etc. He also draws from the works of illustrious Christian preachers and spiritual masters such as Tertullian, Anastasius Sinaita, Vincent Ferrer, Peter of Alcantara, Jacques Marchant, Catherine of Siena, Theresa of Jesus, St. Kunegunda (Kinga), and others. He illustrates his meditations with examples borrowed from daily life. Basing his teachings on the Scriptures and other recognized authorities, as well as skillfully using the principles of
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