CHAPTER XXII. Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future. 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. Paperback. 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. A message from theCatholic Classics podcast hosts:St. I'd never put it away, it needs to be a regular reference. First Consideration--of the Worth of Souls. The Necessity of Purging away all tendency to Venial Sins. EXCELLENT BOOK! 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. Goes to show there's really nothing new under the sun. How to exercise real Poverty, although actually Rich. PART IV. Of Spiritual and Sensible Consolations, and how to receive them. If you will not be as sincere and plain as a little child, you shall not then have the sweet reward of childlike simplicity. CHAPTER XXIV. I did find I had to seep up Gregory and Jacob, but even with that it was great to listen to their commentary each day, and read their commentary before the different sections of the book. "[7], According to Mark Plaushin O.S.F.S., Francis De Sales' approach is "Christian humanism", an optimism about the human potential for cooperation with God toward redemption. Battling wisely against temptation Try to meet the occupations which come upon you quietly, and perform them with regularity, one after the other; for if you endeavor to do them all at once, or in confusion, your spirit will be so overcharged and depressed that it will probably sink under the burden without accomplishing anything (152). Summary. * The story of St. Catherine of Siena being assaulted with temptations and Jesus revealed that He was within her heart filling it with displeasure and resistance to refuse all consent to the sin. CHAPTER XVII. 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). 2 sorts of persons ought to communicate frequently: Your chief aim in Holy Communion should be to advance, strengthen, and comfort yourself in the love of God; receiving for loves sake, what love alone can give (112). While the letters are addressed to "Philothea" (Lover of God), they include the substance of correspondence with others as well as Marie de Charmoisy. Join the movement! An Introduction to the Devout Life , his best-loved work, is based on notes he wrote for a cousin for marriage, stressing that sanctity is possible in everyday life. For instance, if I have resolved to win those who annoy me by gentleness, I will seek the opportunity of addressing them kindly, but if the occasion does not present itself, I will speak well of them, and pray for them (75). That is the gist of this work; for those individuals (which would indeed, unfortunately, be a large numer) who are not destined for a religious vocation or a life of monastic contemplation, the lessons contained within the Introduction to the Devout Life (if at least minutely adhered to) can become a moral and religious compass for individuals who are frightfully lost as a result of the freewheeling sexualization of society, unrepentant, insolent amour propre, the rise of unceasing materialism and other debasing wounds that can cause spiritual deadness and thus can become none too quick to heal. Obedience consecrates our heart, chastity our body, and poverty our means to the love and service of God. Evening Prayer and Examination of Conscience. St. Francis gives tips to meditate on for each part of the Mass as well. 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). For example, boldly acknowledge that you would rather die than commit amortal sin. CHAPTER VIII. If not, (1) humble yourself and (2) ask for Gods help. One of the best Catholic classics I have ever read. $1.99; $1.99; Publisher Description. If charity be milk, devotion is the cream; if charity be a plant, devotion is its flowers; if charity be a precious stone, devotion is its lustre; if charity be a rich balm, devotion is its odour: yea, the odour of sweetness, which comforts men and rejoices angels (8). Of Amusements and Recreations: what are allowable. Of Unseemly Words, and the Respect due to Others. Show more Ratings Friends Following to discover what your friends think of this book! Of Balls, and other Lawful but Dangerous Amusements. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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). When to use such Amusements rightly. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy. CHAPTER VII. If there ever was a much required and sincere "how-to" guide to bring people back to God while also repairing the interior damage of the self as a result of environment, people and inborn human flaws, Introduction to the Devout Life would be and is, very high on the list, for as he gloriously writes on page 291: "Such are the joys that lure my sight,/All pains grow sweet, all labors light. The Necessity of Prayer Mental prayer the prayer of the heart based on the life and passion of our Lord is what St. Francis recommends the most. An Introduction To The Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales. The NEW and EXPANDED Edition of the best-selling Deluxe Then and Now Bible Maps! * If the temptation continues, hasten in spirit to embrace Jesus crucified on the Cross and promise Him not to yield and ask His aid. Examination of the Soul as to its Progress in the Devout Life. 0 Ratings 10 Want to read; 0 Currently reading; 0 Have read Fr. Declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1877, St. Francis is still helping to form saints through his many writings, of which Introduction to the Devout Life is the most famous. Written over 400 years ago, the Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. Advice to married persons there is no union so precious and so fruitful between husband and wife as that of holy devotion, in which they should mutually lead each and sustain each other it is truly a blessed state in which the faithful husband and wife sanctify one another in the sincere fear of the Lord (235). Examination of the Soul's Condition as regards our Neighbour. MUST, MUST read for all who are interested in furthering their religious life. Three Important and Final Counsels. Perfection lies in entertaining no friendships that are not pure, holy, and sacred (179). Realize to whom you made this pledge and in front of whom. Invocation, the Second Point of Preparation. Let your speech be gentle, frank, sincere, clear, simple, and truthful. clifforddham. "Introduction to the Devout Life". Because, answered the huntsman, if it were always bent I fear it would lose its spring and become useless. It was. 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). Remedies against Evil Friendships. A testament to the spirit of Catholicism, namely, that monasticism and prayer are the heart of the church and that application of such practices can be reconciled with societal life, further proving that the so-called dark ages were an age of deep monasticism and it is only viewed cynically in the modern day through the Enlightenment ideals of societal progress as a means to salvation. 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). CHAPTER VII. Make contrary acts above all, acts of the love of God (*best way to overcome the enemy because the love of God contains the perfection of all virtues*). Pick one virtue to cultivate or vice to crush. Imagine our Saviour beside or in front of us. (LogOut/ The book speaks to what is devotion and why we need devotion. Introduction to the Devout Life (Catholic Classics) $ 29.95 Quantity Add to cart Introduction This beautiful book provides inspiration and guidance for all Catholics to deepen their personal relationship with God while living out their unique vocation. Introduction to the Devout Life With Linked Table of Contents. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. His two masterpieces are Introduction to a Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God. As Bishop of Geneva in the first quarter of the seventeenth century, Francis de Sales saw to the spiritual needs of everyone . Fresh wounds are always the easiest to heal make immediate reparation for faults. [4] According to poet Kathleen Norris, "De Saless easy way of employing images from nature is one of the great pleasures of his book. Reveal temptations to your spiritual director. Privacy. Francis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. Her manner of meditating was as follows: Whilst she was dressing meat for her father she imagined that she was preparing it for our Saviour, like another St. Martha, and that her mother held the place of Our Blessed Lady, and her brothers that of the apostles: exciting herself in this manner to serve the whole court of heaven in spirit, whilst she employed herself with great delight in these low services, because she knew such was the will of God. Introduction to the Devout Life enjoyed wide popularity, and was well received in both Protestant and Catholic circles, evidenced by its translation into all major languages of the day. OUR LADY: THIS BEAUTIFUL SACRED OBJECT PROTECTS YOUR FAMILY, THIS AMAZING BESTSELLER WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE (ONLY $1! 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 VIII. 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. Nothing aggravates evil and hinders good so much as anxiety and worry. on the Internet. How to effect this Second Purification. He delves into the maintenance, practice, and perfection of various virtues. Concerning Dryness in Meditation. All our actions must be offered to God. CHAPTER XVIII. Do not spend longer than an hour unless expressly desired to do so by your spiritual director. 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