CHAPTER XIV. The Third Point of Preparation, representing the Mystery to be meditated to Your Imagination. Consider what He is doing, and what you are doing. It has led many to devotion and, as literature, has contributed to the French language. CHAPTER III. 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. [8] Plaushin calls this "De Sales' most remarkable gift to the church. Of Dryness and Spiritual Barrenness. Remember then frequently to retire into the solitude of your heart, even whilst you are externally occupied in business or society (84). All rights reserved. One of the best Catholic classics I have ever read. CHAPTER IX. Dryness If you experience dryness, recourse to vocal prayer, or read a book until you feel reassured to enter back into prayer or stir up your heart with actions or gestures. Concluding the meditation Make the following 3 acts with utmost humility: (1)Thanksgiving, (2) Oblation, (3) Intercession. $14.06 2 Used from $4.42. (5) Be courageous and patient increase your good works. Sketch of the Life of St. Francis of Sales v A Dedicatory Prayer xiii The Author's Preface xv PART THE FIRST CONTAINING THE COUNSELS AND EXERCISES NECESSARY FOR CONDUCTING THE SOUL FROM ITS FIRST DESIRE FOR THE DEVOUT LIFE TO A FULL RESOLUTION TO EMBRACE IT I. This took me almost all year to read, because I read it a bit at a time, but it was amazing. (LogOut/ A short Method of Meditation. Without it repose is but idleness, labour but trouble; therefore, I beseech you, cleave steadily to it, and never forsake it (91). 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. I've seen some translations online that honestly are hard to read and boring due to all the old expressions (they seem to just drag on and on - rather than crisply conveying what they are meant to convey). When we are in society, associate with the virtuous and devout as much as possible. Referred to as "the most popular self-help book." There is a . Invocation, the Second Point of Preparation. Live, Jesus! CONTAINING SUNDRY COUNSELS AS TO UPLIFTING THE SOUL TO GOD IN PRAYER AND THE USE OF THE SACRAMENTS. The perfection of this humility consists in taking pleasure and delight in order to exalt Gods Majesty and to esteem our neighbors better than ourselves. If you will not be as sincere and plain as a little child, you shall not then have the sweet reward of childlike simplicity. His two masterpieces are Introduction to a Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God. Like Catholics of the seventeenth century, we who are living in the twenty-first century can look with confidence to God as he applies his grace to our souls. CHAPTER I. Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy schedule Fresh wounds are always the easiest to heal make immediate reparation for faults. PART II. 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. CHAPTER VI. The First Purification, namely, from Mortal Sin. After the examine Thank God for His help. 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). It's full of practical advice on prayer, virtues, vices, friendships, and so much more. Of Conversation; and, first, how to Speak of God. Picture Jesus looking down from heaven on you. Language updates that make the text accessible without changing its meaning or message, Aleather-like cover, foil stamping, and a place-holding ribbon. The book speaks to what is devotion and why we need devotion. But I was no less comforted when I found her in her fathers kitchen, humbly turning the spit, blowing the fire, dressing the meat, kneading the bread, and doing the meanest offices of the house with a courage full of love and affection for her God; for I esteem no less the little and humble meditation she made amongst these mean and abject employments, than the ecstasies and raptures she so often had, which, perhaps, were given her only in recompense of her humility and abjection. Wheresoever we may be, we may and should aim at a life of perfect devotion (10). How to exercise real Poverty, although actually Rich. Reflections suitable to the renewal of Good Resolutions. We are gradually being formed by our desires and resolutions. CHAPTER XXVII. We must not tolerate any sins in our friends. An introduction to a devout life Written originally in French by St. Francis de Sales . CHAPTER XVII. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. It is a great happiness for a Christian to be actually rich but poor in spirit, for thus he can use wealth and its advantages in this world and yet have the merit of poverty as regards the next (164). Let St. Francis de Sales illumine the path to holiness and strengthen your desire to walk that road with the Lord. Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy. CHAPTER VIII. Join the movement! CHAPTER XXXVI. How to possess a rich Spirit amid real Poverty. How to combine due care for a Good Reputation with Humility. Actions We must be faithful in things great and small. CHAPTER VII. 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). The Need of a Guide for those who would enter upon and advance in the Devout Life. Join the movement! In essence I worked through the book twice. It enjoyed wide popularity, and was well received in both Protestant and Catholic circles, evidenced by its translation into all major languages of the day. CHAPTER IV. Conclusion of this First Purification. 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. By St. Francis de Sales Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V Part First. 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. Examination of the Soul as to its Progress in the Devout Life. 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. How to select that which we should chiefly Practise. 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). Have you voluntarily brought on the sin yourself? * If the temptation continues, hasten in spirit to embrace Jesus crucified on the Cross and promise Him not to yield and ask His aid. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. Nothing aggravates evil and hinders good so much as anxiety and worry. How can virtues be pursued and vices rooted out when temptations and occasions of sin abound? Associate with chaste and virtuous persons. Therefore, you must preserve both thoughts/desires and external senses. Is living a holy life possible for those called to a vocation other than the religious life? The two sides between which we ascend, and in which the rounds are fastened, represent prayer, which obtains the love of God, and the sacraments which confer it; the rounds are nothing but divers degrees of charity, by which we advance from virtue to virtue, either descending, by action, to the help and support of our neighbour, or ascending, by contemplation, to a blessed union with God (7). 0 Ratings 10 Want to read; 0 Currently reading; 0 Have read Three Important and Final Counsels. And first, the Presence of God, the First Point of Preparation. CHAPTER XXXVIII. 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. Society and Solitude As a general rule, we should always preserve a quiet cheerfulness of manner. Avoid immodest persons. CHAPTER XXXV. (Marie de Charmoisy, or Louise de Charmoisy? This masterpiece of Christian literature by a 16th-century priest explains how to live a holy life in the secular world. How to resist temptations Immediately fly to God and seek His mercy and His help. But seeing that the small errors people are wont to commit in the beginning of any . I have produced this example, Philothea, in order that you may know of what importance it is to direct all your actions, be they ever so mean, with a pure intent to the service of Gods Divine Majesty. CHAPTER XV. The Impressions which should remain after this Exercise. 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). CHAPTER XXXIV. Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales (Summary+Review) Biblical Bookworm 3.25K subscribers Subscribe 254 2.2K views 1 year ago WIEN #firstvideoonyoutube #newcatholicchannel. I've read this book a few times, and although it's about 400 years old, it's a gem. CHAPTER I. 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. St. Francis de Sales' perennial classic of spiritual direction. $1.99; $1.99; Publisher Description. Introduction to the Devout Life (Digital), A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament (Digital), Ignatius Bible (RSV), 2nd Edition - Leather, Ignatius Bible (RSV), 2nd Edition (Digital), The Greatest Philosopher Who Ever Lived (Digital), Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy, Making spiritual progress through daily, monthly, and yearly exercises. The devout life is faithfully represented by Jacobs ladder. The Nature and Excellence of Devotion. 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. St. Francis de Sales (15671622) was the Bishop of Geneva and a renowned spiritual director. CHAPTER XI. CONTAINING COUNSELS CONCERNING THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUE. Friendship The more your friendship stands on the foundation of virtue, the more perfect it will be. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. 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. Its earnest single focus is the salvation of souls and it is simplyyet not simplea guide to devoutness that goes beyond the monotony of spiritual superficiality. ive spent a long time asking and looking around for a solid devotional book. To which is prefix'd a summary of his life, and adjoyn'd a collection of his choicest maxims. I didn't know how old this book was until just! 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. Show more Ratings Friends Following to discover what your friends think of this book! 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). In short, devotion is simply a spiritual activity and liveliness by means of which Divine Love works in us, and causes us to work briskly and lovingly; and just as charity leads us to a general practice of all God's Commandments, so devotion leads us to practise them readily and diligently. Privacy. CHAPTER IV. Obedience consecrates our heart, chastity our body, and poverty our means to the love and service of God. 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. 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. He contends that devotion is not a state necessarily relegated to monks in cloisters, but can be a quality of life to which everyone can aspire. Aspirations, Ejaculatory Prayers, and Holy Thoughts Do not fail to long frequently for God by short but ardent efforts of your heart (87). Some Useful Hints as to Meditation. Introduction to the Devout Life (Im., St. Francis de 9780385030090 | eBay Pray 12 minutes a day to help God save America. Awareness that God dwells in your heart and spirit. Like The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, it is considered a spiritual classic in the Christian tradition. This early 17th century classic is a proven spiritual guide for living an authentic Christian life. [4], De Sales said, "My purpose is to instruct those who live in town, within families, or at court, and are obliged to live an ordinary life as to outward appearances. A continued habitual temperance is far better than occasional, rigid abstinence alternating with great relaxation. Un buen devocional catlico donde recolectar consejos y pensamientos profundos sobre diversos temas: sufrimiento, enfermedades, ansiedad, depresin, oracin, etc. this book gave me everything i was looking for and more. . Faithfully render'd into English. Renew the protestation given in Part I after the meditations on the 1st day of each month and when you feel any slackening in your soul. Humility makes us rejoice in our own Abjection. Highly recommend for anyone looking for concrete advice on the spiritual life! Things that I did not recall reading before were powerful this time around. Topics catholic Collection opensource. Devotion is suitable to every Vocation and Profession. But more importantly, in the Introduction to the Devout Life, "St. Francis de Sales gives one of the clearest statements in religious literature of the theory and practice of the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way, the three levels of thought and conduct that are required for a completely moral and religious life" Page 14. Even if you resisted, have you taken pleasure in the temptation? It is. CHAPTER XXIII. This is not the first time I have read this classic of Christian spirituality. What true Devotion is. The Eternal Love of God for us. It is the first in a new series from Ascension press called Christian Classics, and there is a podcast version by Gregory Pine and Jacob Bertrand Janczyk. Introduction to the Devout Life is one of the great religious and devotional masterpieces. 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). If your virtue is deeply rooted you can enter into unimportant activities out of charitys sake but be careful if you are only starting out on this path. Things that spoke to me in the past did not this time. Description of True Devotion 1 II. Amen. Jenkins examine St. Francis de Sales' Philothea, or An Introduction to the Devout Life: How a double-minded man is also a double. Reveal temptations to your spiritual director. CHAPTER XXII. Never was anything done well that was done with haste and hurry (152). CHAPTER II. Sections 3 and 4 really should be published separately as "Timeless Counsels for the Spiritual Life" or some such title. CHAPTER IV. CHAPTER IX. 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. Further Advice concerning Intimacies. Perfection lies in entertaining no friendships that are not pure, holy, and sacred (179). Meditation on the Benefit conferred on us by God in calling us to His Service. "Introduction to the Devout Life". St. Francis of Sales: Introduction to the Devout Life - Christian Classics Ethereal Library. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. Introduction to the Devout Life is a compilation of letters and notes. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. Written in a similar style to that of the Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena, the book, however, is in the format of St. Francis writing down answers to a female pupil named Philothea and not a one-on-one conversation as in the Dialogue, but Introduction to the Devout Life is similar in idea. To purify yourself from your imperfections. St. John said to him: Why do you not carry your bow always bent? This time I got the audiobook version since I know I will keep coming back to it. Introduction to the Devout Life Series - YouTube 0:00 / 2:20 LUTSEN Introduction to the Devout Life Series 1,486 views Jul 23, 2019 Introduction to the Devout Life By St. Francis de. There is always greater benefit and comfort to be derived from the public service of the Church than from private devotions (95). Part III, Chapter 5. 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. True devotion is the love of God in the highest form. * Turn your thoughts away from the temptation. 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. Preaching during the Counter-Reformation, he is estimated to have converted 70,000 Calvinists in his lifetime. ), PRAY WITH CATHOLICS EVERYWHERE TO SAVE AMERICA. Subtotal (Discounts are applied at checkout), A Catholic Guide to Narnia: Questions and Activities for the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Are You Saved? CHAPTER XVII. Of Temptations, and the difference between experiencing them and consenting to them. CHAPTER VII. 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. How to receive Inspirations. The Nature and Excellency of Devotion 3 III. Evening exercise gratitude, examination, offer to God yourself, ask for protection. CHAPTER IX. Be ready for martyrdom but in the meantime meekly endure all little evils, trifling inconveniences, and unimportant losses, which happen daily; for by using these little opportunities with a good and loving purpose you will overcome your heart and have it entirely under control (222). Learn how the Bible, theCatechism, and Narnia are connected! Of the other Public Offices of the Church. CHAPTER I. to whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and throughout the endless ages of eternity. Have a quiet, calm, and persevering repentance. It is well yearly to renew Good Resolutions by means of the following Exercises. 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. May St. Francis de Sales and his Introduction to the Devout Life encourage you in your pursuit of Christ.. St. Francis discusses the nature of temptation, what constitutes succumbing to temptation, how to fight off temptation, and how to strengthen oneself so that temptations never penetrate. Uploaded by Gentleness towards others and Remedies against Anger. Mark-Mary, CFR, the Director of Communications for the Franciscan Friars of the Renew Sign up to get the first look at Ascension's newest programs and offerings! 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