How to receive Inspirations. 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. The Love which Jesus Christ bears to us. Always entertain a sincere hatred of the sins you confess, even though they be trifling, and a heartfelt resolution to amend Accuse yourself honestly and simply of the special omission or commission (104). Get help and learn more about the design. Turn your heart to Jesus Christ crucified and kiss His sacred feet. When we are in society, associate with the virtuous and devout as much as possible. (223). This masterpiece of Christian literature by a 16th-century priest explains how to live a holy life in the secular world. Pick one virtue to cultivate or vice to crush. This book is indispensable for all Catholics looking to live a devout lifeand fruitful for all others interested in such matters. Temptations The 3 degrees by which we fall into sin temptation, delectation, and consent. Conclusion of this First Purification. This early 17th century classic is a proven spiritual guide for living an authentic Christian life. The devout life is faithfully represented by Jacobs ladder, True devotion is suitable to all vocations and professions, The necessity of a spiritual guide for progress in the devout life, Part 2: Counsels Concerning the Souls Approach to God in Prayer and the Sacraments, Aspirations, Ejaculatory Prayers, and Holy Thoughts, Pick one virtue to cultivate or vice to crush, Part Fourth: Some Needful Remedies Against Ordinary Temptations, Part Fifth: Counsels and Exercises for the Renewing of the Soul, and Her Confirmation in Devotion, Summary of The Rules for Discernment of Spirits by St. Ignatius of Loyola, click here for the PDF of the 10 meditations, 9 Practical Tips from Dubays FireWithin, 7 things I learnt from Catechesi Tradendae byJP2, The Magician's Twin: C.S. Of Temptations, and the difference between experiencing them and consenting to them. Society and Solitude As a general rule, we should always preserve a quiet cheerfulness of manner. This is one of the few books that "stays on my nightstand." Francis de Sales preached and wrote with a simple clarity. Privacy. We must not tolerate any sins in our friends. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Make surethat these are truly internal dispositions and not just external actions. I was expecting it to be a good read; I was not expecting it to be profoundly insightful. CHAPTER VII. Prayer, united to this Divine Sacrifice, has unutterable power (92). Introduction to the Devout Life is a compilation of letters and notes. In Introduction to the Devout Life, 17th-century French clergyman Francis de Sales addresses himself to the mass of Christians who do not believe it possible that they could live a devout life while also struggling to make their way in the world. CHAPTER VII. 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. Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy. Be the first one to, Advanced embedding details, examples, and help, Terms of Service (last updated 12/31/2014). The historical record suggests that her name was Louise, but somewhere around 2015, scholars start referring to her as Marie) The correspondence began when Madame de Charmoisy, in Annecy, confided to Francis her desire for piety amidst the struggles and distractions associated with life at court. St. Francis de Sales' perennial classic of spiritual direction. When I saw in the Life of St. Catherine of Sienna her many raptures and elevations of spirit, her many words of wisdom, nay, even sermons uttered by her, I doubted not but that, with the eye of contemplation, she had ravished the heart of her Heavenly Spouse. i am excited to re read it - and move through it on my own time. OUR LADY: THIS BEAUTIFUL SACRED OBJECT PROTECTS YOUR FAMILY, THIS AMAZING BESTSELLER WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE (ONLY $1! COUNSELS AND PRACTICES SUITABLE FOR THE SOUL'S GUIDANCE FROM THE FIRST ASPIRATION AFTER A DEVOUT LIFE TO THE POINT WHEN IT ATTAINS A CONFIRMED RESOLUTION TO FOLLOW THE SAME. Of Holy Communion, and how to join in it. Strive to extract holy thoughts and pious aspirations from all the varying circumstances of our mortal life. "Why St. Francis de Saless Devout Life still resonates today". The classic handbook for ordinary people who want to live spiritually devout lives continues, with advice on how to resist temptations and constantly renew your commitment to loving and serving God. Introduction to the Devout Life Frivolous Attachments. Hear the book read aloud with additional expert commentary in the Catholic Classics podcast! Search Introduction to the Devout Life: Preface by the Author Part I: Attaining a Firm Resolution to the Devout Life Tip: Devote 1 hour daily to mental prayer if you can, let it be early in the morning. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 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). If you will not be as sincere and plain as a little child, you shall not then have the sweet reward of childlike simplicity. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. Fresh wounds are always the easiest to heal make immediate reparation for faults. web pages Been reading this every couple of years for Lent. The first book of the Catholic Classics series,Introduction to the Devout Life is anupdated translation of St. Francis de Sales original text that makes this key work of Catholic Tradition approachable to modern readers. It has led many to devotion and, as literature, has contributed to the French language. CHAPTER XXIII. CHAPTER XXI. Humility perfects us towards God. The Nature and Excellence of Devotion. They stand alone as such a consoling, encouraging (in the strengthening sense of the word), and complete picture of the life of a Christian life. * Turn your thoughts away from the temptation. Why can setting aside daily time for silent prayer and meditation seem like such a daunting task? I shall say nothing of these three virtues, when they are solemnly vowed, because this subject concerns religious orders only; nor even when they are simply vowed; for though a vow may add many graces and merits to virtues, yet, to make us perfect, it is not necessary that vows should be made, provided they be observed. True devotion is the perfection of charity. Gather your spirit into the oratory of your heart and lay open your soul and speak face to face with God (84). The Catholic Understanding of Salvation, From Worry to Wonder: A Catholic Guide to Finding Peace Through Scripture, Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress. He teaches on how to perfect ones lifestyle to make these changes permanent. CHAPTER XXVI. Counsels to Married People. Whether you are just beginning your spiritual journey or are more advanced in the spiritual life, youll be able to apply this timeless wisdom immediately. Always follow holy desires if your affections are greatly kindled towards God after your preparation, yield to them without heeding any formal method. CHAPTER II. 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star. He is not too strict, and always leaves some degree of liberty for well-formed people, as in chapter 34: From my 100-word recommendations on my blog, Contemplative Homeschool: I apologize for taking so long to write this reviewhere it is! Charity bids humility to > reveal thetruth. Q. PART I. Of Unseemly Words, and the Respect due to Others. Francis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. Of the Difference between True and False Friendship. St. Francis of Sales: Introduction to the Devout Life - Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Remember that one day of devotion is worth more than a thousand years of worldly gratification (252). The discipline of purification can and must cease only with our life, therefore be not discouraged by infirmities; our perfection consists in struggling against them (15). Classic Catholic book by St. Francis de Sales on how to grow in devotion and holiness in everyday life while living in the world Addeddate 2021-05-25 17:26:06 Identifier an-introduction-to-the-devout-life Perfection lies in entertaining no friendships that are not pure, holy, and sacred (179). Without it you cannot follow the contemplative life well, nor the active life without danger. Remember then frequently to retire into the solitude of your heart, even whilst you are externally occupied in business or society (84). Assuredly nothing can so humble us before the compassion of God as the abundance of His mercies; nothing so humble us before His justice as the abundance of our misdeeds. CHAPTER XI. Because, answered the huntsman, if it were always bent I fear it would lose its spring and become useless. Change). Never omit this exercise any more than that of the morning, for as by the latter you open the windows of your soul to the sun of righteousness, so by these evening devotions you close them against the darkness of Hell (83). 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. For example, boldly acknowledge that you would rather die than commit amortal sin. Desolation If you are the cause of your own desolation, thank God, for the evil is half cured when you have ascertained the cause (286). Patience Patience in all trials is the key to possessing our souls. St. Francis de Sales (15671622) was the Bishop of Geneva and a renowned spiritual director. Since our possessions are not our own but rather gifts from God to cultivate them, we must take great care to render them useful and fruitful. CHAPTER XV. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. For you the price doesn't change Rating system:10/10 breathtaking, must read9/10 really good 8/10 good 7/10 good (maybe not for everyone)6/10 and less: I try to read good books lol so that rating should not occurRead online for free: English: https://www.catholicspiritualdirection.org/devoutlife.pdfGerman: https://docplayer.org/111125200-Franz-von-sales-philothea.htmlListen online for free:English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33ioi2BXMaA\u0026t=1sGerman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QY3fyfy1sPQYou can contact me here: thebiblicalbookworm@gmail.com The Sanctity of the Marriage Bed. It is a favourable feature of this war, that so long as we will fight, we must be victorious (15). Let your speech be gentle, frank, sincere, clear, simple, and truthful. We are gradually being formed by our desires and resolutions. Be careful and diligent in work but never hurried or anxious. CHAPTER VII. CHAPTER XXII. If we persevere, we shall gradually, by the help of His grace, learn to speak, to act and will like Him (61). 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. If not, (1) humble yourself and (2) ask for Gods help. Have you voluntarily brought on the sin yourself? Part III: The Practice of Virtue (patience, meekness, humility, Part IV: Some Ordinary Temptations and how to overcome them, Part V: Renewing and Confirming the Soul in Devotion, This page was last edited on 2 April 2023, at 16:04. Realize to whom you made this pledge and in front of whom. How to resist Minor Temptations. Introduction to the Devout Life (Im., St. Francis de 9780385030090 | eBay St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. I've read most of St. Francis de Sales "Catholic Controversy" and had heard only good things about his "Introduction". The Nature and Excellency of Devotion 3 III. Reflections suitable to the renewal of Good Resolutions. YOU aim at a devout life, dear child, because as a Christian you know that such devotion is most acceptable to God's Divine Majesty. This theology for the laity I find elements of most recently in the work of St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of the controversial but infinitely Catholic Opus Dei. The desire to be closer to God that he found in people from all levels of . How to prepare for temptations Once you are aware of your predominate temptations, let your way of life be altogether opposed to them in thought, word, and deed. We must be gentle towards ourselves look upon your faults with a calm, collected, and firm displeasure. CHAPTER VI. CHAPTER VIII. Some Useful Hints as to Meditation. The general rules concerning the passions and emotions of our souls is that we should know them by their fruits; our hearts as trees, our affections and passions are the branches, and their actions and deeds the fruit (281). But seeing that the small errors people are wont to commit in the beginning of any . Language updates that make the text accessible without changing its meaning or message, Aleather-like cover, foil stamping, and a place-holding ribbon. So humility enfolds and conceals all our virtues and human perfections, producing them only at the call of charity, which is not an earthly but a heavenly virtue, not a moral but a divine perfection, and the very sun of all the other virtues, over which she should always preside; and therefore such humility as is opposed to charity is undoubtedly spurious (134). How to strengthen the Heart against Temptation. CHAPTER I. The Impressions which should remain after this Exercise. Your spiritual guide must be filled with charity, knowledge, and discretion. I didn't know how old this book was until just! 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. He delves into the maintenance, practice, and perfection of various virtues. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. Aspirations, Ejaculatory Prayers, and Holy Thoughts Do not fail to long frequently for God by short but ardent efforts of your heart (87). Devotion is suitable to every Vocation and Profession. PART IV. Themes include: Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedly Remedies for Great Occasions. Pray 12 minutes a day to help God save America. CHAPTER I. ), PRAY WITH CATHOLICS EVERYWHERE TO SAVE AMERICA, Devotion is Suitable to Every Vocation and Profession, The Need of a Guide for Those Who Would Enter Upon and Advance in the Devout Life, The First Step Must be Purifying the Soul, The First Purification, Namely, From Mortal Sin, The Second Purification, From All Sinful Affections, Second Meditation - On the End for Which We Were Created, Ninth Meditation - On the Choice Open to You Between Heaven and Hell, Tenth Meditation - On How the Soul Chooses the Devout Life, A Hearty Protest Made with the Object of Confirming the Soul's Resolution to Serve God, as a Conclusion to its Acts of Penitence, The Necessity of Purging Away All Tendency to Venial Sins, It is Needful to Put Away All Inclination for Useless and Dangerous Things, All Evil Inclinations Must be Purged Away, A Short Method of Meditation, and first, the Presence of God, the First Point of Preparation, Invocation, the Second Point of Preparation, The Third Point of Preparation, Representing the Mystery to be Meditated to Your Imagination, Considerations, the Second Part of Meditation, The Third Part of Meditation, Affections and Resolutions, Evening Prayer and Examination of Conscience, Aspirations, Ejaculatory Prayer, and Holy Thoughts, How to Select That Which We Should Chiefly Practise, Humility Makes Us Rejoice in Our Own Abjection, How to Combine Due Care for a Good Reputation with Humility, Gentleness Towards Others and Remedies Against Anger, We Must Attend to the Business of Life Carefully, but Without Eagerness or Over-Anxiety, How to Exercise Real Poverty, Although Actually Rich, How to Possess a Rich Spirit Amid Real Poverty, Friendship: Evil and Frivolous Friendship, The Difference Between True and False Friendship, Conversation; and, First, How to Speak of God, Unseemly Words, and the Respect Due to Others, Amusements and Recreations: What are Allowable, Balls, and Other Lawful but Dangerous Amusements, We Must be Faithful in Things Great and Small, We Must Not Trifle with the Words of Worldly Wisdom, Temptations, and the Difference Between Experiencing Them and Consenting to Them, How to Strengthen the Heart Against Temptation, Spiritual and Sensible Consolations, and How to Receive Them, It is Well Yearly to Renew Good Resolutions by Means of the Following Exercises, Meditation on the Benefit Conferred on us by God in Calling us to His Service, Examination of the Soul as to its Progress in the Devout Life, Examination of the Soul's Condition as Regards God, Examination of your Condition as Regards Yourself, Examination of the Soul's Condition as Regards our Neighbour, Examination as to the Affections of the Soul, The Affections to be Excited After Such Examination, Reflections Suitable to the Renewal of Good Resolutions, First Consideration - On the Worth of Souls, Second Consideration - On the Excellence of Virtue, General Affections Which Should Result From These Considerations, and Conclusion of the Exercise, The Impressions which should remain after this Exercise, An Answer to Two Objections Which may be Made to This Book. 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