CHAPTER XVI. Show more Ratings Friends Following to discover what your friends think of this book! Pray 12 minutes a day to help God save America. Pick one virtue to cultivate or vice to crush. (3) A composition of place use your imagination to place yourself in the Gospel scene (if possible). 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. 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! It is well yearly to renew Good Resolutions by means of the following Exercises. Of Conversation; and, first, how to Speak of God. 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). CHAPTER XXIII. Battling wisely against temptation [8] Plaushin calls this "De Sales' most remarkable gift to the church. CHAPTER IX. 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. Description of True Devotion 1 II. CHAPTER XV. Introduction to the Devout Life Saint Francis de Sales (1567 - 1622) First published in the early 17th century, it has proven its value as a daily spiritual guide and helpful reference for living an authentic Christian life. What I particularly enjoy is his insistence on different spiritual acts for people in different states of life. CHAPTER XVII. CHAPTER XXII. Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedly When to use such Amusements rightly. 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. CHAPTER XXXVI. 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. Let St. Francis de Sales illumine the path to holiness and strengthen your desire to walk that road with the Lord. Simply brilliant. 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. Of Temptations, and the difference between experiencing them and consenting to them. Free shipping for many products! OUR LADY: THIS BEAUTIFUL SACRED OBJECT PROTECTS YOUR FAMILY, THIS AMAZING BESTSELLER WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE (ONLY $1! Andrew Hanson CCEL Intern Popularity 82% Available formats Read online Read on mobile Download Reveal temptations to your spiritual director. Therefore, you must preserve both thoughts/desires and external senses. * St. Francis provides 10 meditations to help us make the 1st step in purifying us from all sin (click here for the PDF of the 10 meditations) *. clifforddham. Why can setting aside daily time for silent prayer and meditation seem like such a daunting task? 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). 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! On Friendship: Evil and Frivolous Friendship. 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. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. We must not tolerate any sins in our friends. Things that spoke to me in the past did not this time. Introduction to the Devout Life (Catholic Classics). CHAPTER IV. We must attend to the Business of Life carefully, but without Eagerness or Over-anxiety. CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS AND EXERCISES FOR CONDUCTING THE SOUL FROM HER FIRST DESIRE TILL SHE BE BROUGHT TO A FULL RESOLUTION TO EMBRACE A DEVOUT LIFE. Tip: Devote 1 hour daily to mental prayer if you can, let it be early in the morning. 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). We can glorify God in a secular world, and be a testimony to the world of God's abounding grace and love. Let us be firm in our plans and unchanging in our resolutions. Themes include: Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedly Carefully practice the opposite virtue and reflect on the vanity and horror of that particular vice. it's hard to move through this book fast. (223). 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. Highly recommend for anyone looking for concrete advice on the spiritual life! CHAPTER V. The First Step must be Purifying the Soul. Written over 400 years ago, the Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. Be like a little child with one hand clinging to your father and the one hand gathers fruits. How to Hear and Read God's Word. PART V. CONTAINING COUNSELS AND PRACTICES FOR RENEWING AND CONFIRMING THE SOUL IN DEVOTION. 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. Introduction to the Devout Life is a timeless gem and I was truly blessed by reading it. Be careful and diligent in work but never hurried or anxious. CHAPTER XI. 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). Love poverty and the poor; for by this love you will become truly poor yourself, since we become like to that which we love (167). Q. All our actions must be offered to God. The necessity of a spiritual guide for progress in the devout life The path of humble obedience and full trust that God is working fully through him. CHAPTER IX. Amen. CHAPTER XXXIII. probably best to journal along side as there are many reflective questions and insights to consider. The desire to be closer to God that he found in people from all levels of . "Reading Your Way to Heaven" Introduction to the Devout Life - Introduction: Part 1 - Chapter 10 (Podcast Episode 2019) - Plot summary, synopsis, and more. Make concrete resolution and specify the exact means of carrying it out. Search the history of over 804 billion St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. 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. Humility makes us rejoice in our own Abjection. CHAPTER II. Let St. Francis de Sales illumine the path to holiness and strengthen your desire to walk that road with the Lord. 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. Examination of the Soul's Condition as regards our Neighbour. 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. All Evil Inclinations must be purged away. Examination as to the Affectations of the Soul. Charles Borromeo had a great influence on Francis de Sales because of his pastoral approach to bringing devotion to the Christian in the world. CHAPTER XXIII. True devotion is the love of God in the highest form. 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 I. 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). not only is it 400 years old but sometimes each sentence demands serious contemplation for a few days. Join the movement! Gregory Pine, O.P., and Fr. In order to cure our faults, it is doubtless well to mortify the flesh, but above all we must purify our affections, and renew our hearts, and it is advisable never to adopt bodily mortifications without the direction of our spiritual guide (193). 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. CHAPTER XXXIX. When we are in society, associate with the virtuous and devout as much as possible. Like The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, it is considered a spiritual classic in the Christian tradition. Friendship The more your friendship stands on the foundation of virtue, the more perfect it will be. (3) Go to your confessor. Join the movement! These writings are conveniently divided into small sections of advice. PART I. Is living a holy life possible for those called to a vocation other than the religious life? How the Saints are united to us. The world is an unjust judge, partial and indulgent to its own children, but harsh and rigorous towards the children of God (250). Q. True devotion is the perfection of charity. something w lots depth and wisdom that would challenge and shake me up a bit. PART III. 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. Of Unseemly Words, and the Respect due to Others. St. Francis gives tips to meditate on for each part of the Mass as well. 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. Read Full Description Details SKU: 9781954881587 ISBN: 9781954881587 Weight: 1.821 lb May St. Francis de Sales and his Introduction to the Devout Life encourage you in your pursuit of Christ.. CONTAINING COUNSELS CONCERNING THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUE. Never was anything done well that was done with haste and hurry (152). Pray 12-minutes a day to help God save America. ive spent a long time asking and looking around for a solid devotional book. Use utmost care and diligence in resisting these. This book was written for people with desire to be closer to God, a desire DeSales found on all levels of society, and the reason he wrote this book. He died in 1622 on December 28, and was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665. Devotion is suitable to every Vocation and Profession. We must (1) forsake, reject, and detest all sin, (2) dedicate our whole beings to serve and love God, (3) speedily rise again after any falls. St. Francis de Sales (15671622) was the Bishop of Geneva and a renowned spiritual director. However, it is not meant to be interpreted that way, merely as a catalyst to a newer and brighter beginning. Without it repose is but idleness, labour but trouble; therefore, I beseech you, cleave steadily to it, and never forsake it (91). 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. When Temptation and Delectation are Sin. MUST, MUST read for all who are interested in furthering their religious life. Saint Francis de Sales. Consider what He is doing, and what you are doing. "[5] "It is an error, or rather a heresy, to wish to banish the devout life from the regiment of soldiers, the mechanic's shop, the court of princes, or the home of married people. St. Francis de Sales' perennial classic of spiritual direction. Spiritual Retreat During the Day As often as you can through your day, recall your mind to the presence of God by some one of the 4 methods. If we persevere, we shall gradually, by the help of His grace, learn to speak, to act and will like Him (61). What does spiritual meditation and prayer look like amid the demands of daily life? Change). 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. Examination of the Soul's Condition as regards God. * 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 XXI. We must be Faithful in Things Great and Small. 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. CHAPTER V. Encouragement for the Tempted Soul. An introduction to the devout life Franois de Sales (st.) 1885 2 Reviews Reviews aren't verified, but Google checks for and removes fake content when it's identified Preview this book What. Nothing aggravates evil and hinders good so much as anxiety and worry. 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. by Francis de Sales. Charity alone can place us in perfection, but obedience, chastity, and poverty, are the three principal means by which to attain to it. By the help of one virtue heartily practiced men may attain to all holiness ~ Gregory Nazianzen. Privacy. 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. Pray 12-minutes a day to help God save America. Referred to as "the most popular self-help book." There is a . It's full of practical advice on prayer, virtues, vices, friendships, and so much more. Perfection lies in entertaining no friendships that are not pure, holy, and sacred (179). I found this edition the most authentic one: February 4, 2012: Finished it today and it has renewed my enthusiasm to reread all the spiritual classics and not just read them, but live them. In his Introduction to the Devout Life, Francis de Sales wrote: "I speak here of a general renewal of the heart and complete conversion of your soul to God by undertaking a devout life, it seems to me thatyou should faithfully practice the following meditations. 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). This is not the first time I have read this classic of Christian spirituality. 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*). The Need of a Guide for those who would enter upon and advance in the Devout Life. 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 III. Receive Jesus in Holy Communion. The Nature and Excellency of Devotion 3 III. Un buen devocional catlico donde recolectar consejos y pensamientos profundos sobre diversos temas: sufrimiento, enfermedades, ansiedad, depresin, oracin, etc. 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). If not, (1) humble yourself and (2) ask for Gods help. 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. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. The most profitable humiliations are those that God sends us and those that are most opposed to our natural inclinations. Of course, this book is not concerned with such politics and historical revisionismwhich have come after its completion. It is a favourable feature of this war, that so long as we will fight, we must be victorious (15). 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. The First Purification, namely, from Mortal Sin. 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. 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. Wheresoever we may be, we may and should aim at a life of perfect devotion (10). If you earnestly desire to be delivered from some evil, or to attain some good, above all things calm and tranquilize your mind and compose your judgement and will; then quietly and gently pursue your aim, adopting suitable means with some method (272). CHAPTER I. Let us endeavour then, Philothea, to practise well these virtues, each one according to his vocation; for though they do not place us in the state of perfection, yet they will make us perfect: and, indeed, everyone is obliged to practise them, though not all after the same manner (154). Of the other Public Offices of the Church. Morning exercise gratitude for the night, firm resolution for the day ahead, review the upcoming day, humble yourself, offer yourself to God. Faithfully render'd into English. Gather your spirit into the oratory of your heart and lay open your soul and speak face to face with God (84). 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). Read & meditate on Sacred things. CHAPTER XIV. 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. 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