Picture Jesus looking down from heaven on you. 1st Part: Instructions and exercises for conducting the soul from her first desire for a devout life till she is brought to a full resolution of embracing it. CHAPTER V. The First Step must be Purifying the Soul. Persevere We must be patient and persevere in the path of Christian perfection. To be purified from all affections of sin, we must have a clear and hearty consciousness of the exceeding evil of sin, by which means we attain deep and earnest contrition (20). Imagine our Saviour beside or in front of us. Should you relish the fruits, or any of them, stop without going further, like the bees, who never quit the flower as long as they can suck any honey from it; but if, upon trial, you do not succeed according to your wishes, proceed to another consideration with a calm and tranquil mind, without hurrying yourself or fatiguing your soul (70). CHAPTER X. An introduction to a devout life Written originally in French by St. Francis de Sales . CHAPTER III. Let us reflect upon all He has done for us, and all we have done against Him; and as we count over our sins in detail, even so let us count over His mercies (131). Let your speech be gentle, frank, sincere, clear, simple, and truthful. We are not always able to banish the temptation but we can take no pleasure in the sin and refuse consent. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales The most popular Catholic self-help book of all time is written for laymen. He takes the reader through the finer points of meditation, establishing a prayer life, integrating with church life, connecting with saints, the use of frequent confession, mass, and partaking of the Eucharist. Let us be firm in our plans and unchanging in our resolutions. How can virtues be pursued and vices rooted out when temptations and occasions of sin abound? CHAPTER VII. This newpaperback edition has the same great content as the ori "Praise God Melissa Overmyer allowed the Holy Spirit to inspire her to write From Worry to Wonder! Poverty The poor in spirit have not riches in their hearts nor their hearts in riches. Life of St. Francis de Sales Introduction was seen immediately as a classic in trying to describe a spirituality that is compatible with any walk of life. Daily & yearly renewal -Just as a clock must be wind up daily and taken apart each year to prevent rust, we must renew our devotion daily and do a thorough examine each year. The great happiness of man, Philothea, is thus to possess his soul; and the more perfect our patience, the more perfectly do we possess our souls (124). This book is indispensable for all Catholics looking to live a devout lifeand fruitful for all others interested in such matters. CHAPTER V. Considerations, the Second Part of Meditation. Confession Confess yourself humbly and devoutly once every week, and always, if possible, before you communicate, even though your conscience should not reproach you with the guilt of mortal sin: for by confession you not only receive absolution from the venial sins you confess, but likewise strength to avoid them, light to discern them well, and grace to repair all the damage you may have sustained by them. Humility makes us rejoice in our own Abjection. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Introduction to the Devout Life (Im., St. Francis de at the best online prices at eBay! Written as a letter to St. Francis lay cousin, this classic yet relevant text features advice on the questions that members of the Catholic laity often ask themselves, such as: Written by Doctor of the Church St. Francis de Sales to offer sound preaching and clear instruction for Catholics and translated by Matthew K. Minerd to renew Catholics understanding and appreciation of this classic Catholic work,Introduction to the Devout Life promises that it is possible to have an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus, regardless of the demands of everyday life.. Of Spiritual and Sensible Consolations, and how to receive them. Gather your spirit into the oratory of your heart and lay open your soul and speak face to face with God (84). All rights reserved. Highly recommend for anyone looking for concrete advice on the spiritual life! Hear the book read aloud with additional expert commentary in the Catholic Classics podcast! Jenkins examine St. Francis de Sales' Philothea, or An Introduction to the Devout Life: How a double-minded man is also a double. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. OUR LADY: THIS BEAUTIFUL SACRED OBJECT PROTECTS YOUR FAMILY, THIS AMAZING BESTSELLER WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE (ONLY $1! Examination of the Soul's Condition as regards our Neighbour. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. (3) A composition of place use your imagination to place yourself in the Gospel scene (if possible). External Mortification We must begin mortification from within. The Nature and Excellency of Devotion 3 III. "[8], sfn error: no target: CITEREFFrancis_de_Sales/ed._Ryan_p.33 (, sfn error: no target: CITEREFFrancis_de_Sales/ed._Ryan_p.44 (. Remember that one day of devotion is worth more than a thousand years of worldly gratification (252). The Need of a Guide for those who would enter upon and advance in the Devout Life. Therefore, you must preserve both thoughts/desires and external senses. Great fires flame all the more when the wind blows, but a little fire will be altogether extinguished unless it be sheltered (221). CHAPTER XVI. One thing more, dear reader. St. Francis of Sales: Introduction to the Devout Life - Christian Classics Ethereal Library. This masterpiece of Christian literature by a 16th-century priest explains how to live a holy life in the secular world. Q. CHAPTER XI. Of Unseemly Words, and the Respect due to Others. St. John the Evangelist, as Cassian relates, amusing himself one day with a partridge on his hand, was asked by a huntsman: How such a man as he could spend his time in so unprofitable a manner? I was expecting it to be a good read; I was not expecting it to be profoundly insightful. True devotion iswhen charity reaches that point of perfection wherein it not only causes us to do good but to do it earnestly, frequently, and readily (4) and in carrying out Gods heavenly inspirations and counsels of perfection (5). CHAPTER I. Of the other Public Offices of the Church. He was a fervent proponent of the universal call to holiness and spent much of his time guiding lay people on the road to sanctity. Tip: Devote 1 hour daily to mental prayer if you can, let it be early in the morning. PART I. Faithfully render'd into English. CHAPTER VII. The devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life (6). De Sales explained: "I address my words to Philothea, since I wish to direct what was first written to one person alone to the general benefit of many souls; "[3], Unlike many other writings in this category, it is distinguished by addressing itself to all Christians in any state of life, rather than to just those who have been called to a religious vocation. So far the best translation I saw was. by Francis de Sales. 4/5. Wheresoever we may be, we may and should aim at a life of perfect devotion (10). He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665. His feast is celebrated on January 24. Norris, Kathleen. The world is an unjust judge, partial and indulgent to its own children, but harsh and rigorous towards the children of God (250). Goes to show there's really nothing new under the sun. CHAPTER X. THE DESCRIPTION OF TRUE DEVOTION. Receive Jesus in Holy Communion. Never was anything done well that was done with haste and hurry (152). Without it you cannot follow the contemplative life well, nor the active life without danger. Join the movement! Introduction to the Devout Life (French: Introduction la vie dvote) is a book written by Saint Francis de Sales, the first edition being published in 1609. CHAPTER II. This habit of spiritual retirement and ejaculatory prayer is the keystone of devotion, and can supply the defects of all your other prayers; but nothing else can supply its place. The Nature and Excellence of Devotion. (1) Begin all prayer, whether mental or vocal, by placing yourself in the presence of God. May St. Francis de Sales and his Introduction to the Devout Life encourage you in your pursuit of Christ.. These writings are conveniently divided into small sections of advice. Like The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, it is considered a spiritual classic in the Christian tradition. But it is the great perfection of heavenly love to make those who love God suffer and fight for his love, not knowing whether they possess the love for which and by which they fight (258). CHAPTER XV. This beautiful book provides inspiration and guidance for all Catholics to deepen their personal relationship with God while living out their unique vocation. Whether you are running a tractor, a ba How do you grow closer to sainthood in your daily life? Reveal temptations to your spiritual director. When Madame de Charmoisy returned to Paris, she showed the letters to her confessor, Jesuit Father Jean Fourier, who encouraged De Sales to publish them. . Charity bids humility to > reveal thetruth. Further Counsels as to Conversation. CHAPTER XXI. Realize to whom you made this pledge and in front of whom. Saint Francis de Sales-patron saint of authors and writers and eminent Doctor of the Catholic Church-is quite deserving of his posthumous honors and titles, for with Introduction to the Devout Life (among his numerous other books and pamphlets), he gives to not only Catholics around the world but humanity in general, a religious, imformative yet readable work of theology that will aid in answering some of the fundamental questions of human existence. Have you voluntarily brought on the sin yourself? CHAPTER II. Gentleness perfects us towards our neighbor. He was a fervent proponent of the universal call to holiness and spent much of his time guiding lay people on the road to sanctity. We must be gentle towards ourselves look upon your faults with a calm, collected, and firm displeasure. Be careful and diligent in work but never hurried or anxious. Change). Chastity has its origin in the heart and its substance in the body. The description of this edition of this book is: ENGLISH: An excellent devotional book, not in the least dated because it was written over four centuries ago. What does spiritual meditation and prayer look like amid the demands of daily life? We must hate sin with a hearty, vigorous contrition and detest every affection, circumstance, and inducement which tends towards it. If during vocal prayer your heart is drawn to mental prayer, do not restrain it, but let your devotion take that channel (except if bound to recite the Office). It's broken up into small "chapters" so it's great to read just one little tidbit each day. First and foremost, this book is a manual, a manual on how seek, find, and create a devout life, a life devoted to God. In doing so, any loss will not deprive us of composure or tranquility. Nothing aggravates evil and hinders good so much as anxiety and worry. Book provides inspiration and guidance for all others interested in such matters, any loss WILL not us... 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