The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology (2nd ed.)The Spiritual Life_ A Treatise on Ascetica

transl. of [*Précis de théologie ascétique et mystique*](http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1086387269) * *Fr. Germàn Fliess cites this work @14:41ff. of his "[ Catholic Spirituality, Episode 25: The Sacrifice of the Mass](https://isidore.co/misc/Audiobooks/Theology%20of%20Christian%20Perfection%20\(Royo%20Mar%C3%ADn,%20O.P.\)/180914_CAS025_Mass.mp3)." ref:16.174 (n. 595-606) on friendship > § "The Sanctification of Our Social Relations": III. Sanctification of Friendship: > 1° True Friendship > 2° False Friendship > 3° Friendship at Once Supernatural and Sentimental > **a)** If it is the *good* element that *predominates* , one may continue such a friendship whilst purifying it. For this, one must first of all forego what would foster sentiment, like frequent and affectionate conversations, familiarity, etc. From time to time one must deny oneself meetings otherwise in order, and be willing to shorten conversations that cease to be useful. In this way one gains control of sentiment and wards off danger. > **b)** If the element of *sentiment* predominates, one must for a considerable period of time renounce any special relations with the said friend beyond the strictly necessary, and when one must meet him one should abstain from speaking in terms of affection. Sentiment is thus allowed to cool; one waits for a renewal of relations until calm is restored to the soul. The renewed association then takes on a different character. Should it be otherwise, it must be severed forever. Written primarily for priests and seminarians, but also for religious and the laity who "are seeking to live a thoroughly Christian life." Here is a book that answers virtually every question about the spiritual life, that can easily be used as a textbook, a devotional treatise for spiritual reading, or a handy source book for researching specific subjects. It is the perfection of the Christian life that constitutes the proper object of ascetical and mystical Theology.