d with doubts against the Faith that his reason was in
danger. This man confided his distress to Vincent, who explained to
him that a temptation to doubt does not constitute unbelief, and that
as long as his will remained firm he was safe. It happens, however,
that such temptations often cloud the reason, and Vincent's labors to
restore the man's peace of mind were in vain.

The priest, deeply moved at the sight of a soul in such danger,
besought God for help, offering himself to bear the temptation in the
doctor's place. It was the inspiration of a saint, and the prayer was
granted. The man was instantly delivered from his doubts, which took
possession of Vincent himself. The trial was long and painful. For
several years this humble and fervent soul endured the agony of an
incessant temptation to unbelief. But Vincent knew how to resist this
most subtle snare of the Evil One, and, although the anguish was
continual, his will never wavered.

Copying out the _Credo_ on a small sheet of parchment, he placed it
over his heart, and his only answer to the fearful doubts that
harassed him was to lay his hand upon it as he made his act of Faith.
To prevent himself from dwelling on such thoughts, he devoted himself
more than ever to works of charity, spending himself in the service
of the sick and poor and comforting others when he himself was often
in greater need of comfort.

One day when the temptation was almost more than he could bear and he
felt himself on the point of yielding, he made a vow to consecrate
himself to Jesus Christ in the person of His poor. As he made the
promise the temptation vanished, and forever. His faith henceforward
was a faith that had been tried and had conquered; strong and firm as
such a faith must be, it held him ready for all that God might send.

Chapter 3
A GREAT HOUSEHOLD

VINCENT remained two years in the house of Father de Berulle, in the
hope of obtaining permanent work. The administration of a poor
country parish was, he maintained, the only thing he was fit for, but
de Berulle thought otherwise. "This humble priest," he predicted one
day to a friend, "will render great service to the Church and will
work much for God's glory."

St. Francis de Sales, who made Vincent's acquaintance while he was
with de Berulle, was of the same opinion. "He will be the holiest
priest of his time," he said one day as he watched him. As for
Vincent, he was completely won by the gentle serenit