Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Humility – Humility is found through reflecting on both (1) God’s mercies and favors towards us and (2) our ingratitude, imperfection, and sins against Him. An Introduction to the Devout Life is a book to be read with pencil in hand. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. Price › $12.95; eBook; Sale Price › $8.76; Book + eBook; Reg. 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). Alone, its 10 brief meditations in Part I will orient you toward God for the rest of your life. An Introduction to the Devout Life, Part 3 by St. Francis de Sales. preface by saint francis de sales 49 . A A . We are gradually being formed by our desires and resolutions. Fast Download Speed ~ Commercial & Ad Free. It sold out quickly. Review: . This book gave lots of insight into what St. Francis believed. How to make a General Confession: 20. St. Francis gives tips to meditate on for each part of the Mass as well. By Francis De Sales, Introduction by John K. RyanFrancis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. 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. ADDED, FEBRUARY 2013: I created a new post on Introduction to the Devout Life with a more streamlined and easy-to-follow summary of my recommended reading order. Introduction The “Introduction to the Devout Life” is one of the books that made St. Francis great. There are more such De Sales Discussions now available. The world – We are crucified to the world and the world should be crucified to us. Be content to simply drive them away. 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). Humility consists in really knowing and freely acknowledging our abasement. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Introduction to the Devout Life is a compilation of letters and notes used in the spiritual direction of his cousin, Madame Marie de Charmoisy, the wife of an ambassador of the Duke of Savoy. or The Introduction to the Devout Life . Poverty – The poor in spirit have not riches in their hearts nor their hearts in riches. Concluding the meditation – Make the following 3 acts with utmost humility: (1) Thanksgiving, (2) Oblation, (3) Intercession. “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). which leads ultimately to God and to Heaven. Devout life does not require withdrawal from the world. If not, (1) humble yourself and (2) ask for God’s help. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. This was the central insight of Saint Francis de Sales, a 16th-century priest whose Introduction to the Devout Life has not gone out of print in almost four centuries. Have you voluntarily brought on the sin yourself? To which is prefix'd a summary of his life, and adjoyn'd a … 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). As Bishop of Geneva in the first quarter of the seventeenth century, Francis de Sales saw to the spiritual needs of everyone from the poorest peasants to court ladies. . court, in their own households, and whose calling obliges them to a social life, so far as externals are concerned. Resolutions – “You must not rest satisfied with general desires and aspirations, but rather turn them into special resolutions for your individual correction and amendment… to proceed to some practical resolutions… [because] mere desires will have but few and tardy results” (71-2). “Great fires flame all the more when the wind blows, but a little fire will be altogether extinguished unless it be sheltered” (221). It is an audiobook to make your guide for the rest of your life. Tip = frequently during the day if you can, but at least night and morning, examine yourself whether your soul is in your hand, or if it has not been snatched thence by some passion or anxiety. 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). 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). Of Creation. The Nature and Excellence of… Next » CHAPTER II. “We must learn not only to love our burden, which is done by the virtue of patience, but also to love its attendent abasement, which is done by the virtue of humility” (137).. It is at once easy to read, being laid out in short chapters, yet thorough, authoritative, reliable, kind and gentle a mirror of its author. … Tenth Meditation - How the Soul chooses the Devout Life: 19. ** “Above all, you must be careful to retain the resolutions to which you have come through meditation, on your return to active duties. Such persons are apt to reject all attempt to lead a devout life under the plea of impossibility; imagining that like as no animal presumes to eat of the plant commonly called Palma Reveal temptations to your spiritual director. 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). read by Omar F. A. Guiterrez. Let us be firm in our plans and unchanging in our resolutions. PART I. (223). It’s fabulously down to earth and practical in it’s application & use and there is very little (if anything) that a non-Catholic Christian could even find fault with. The audience to which St. Francis addresses this book is very wide, not only to the Catholics around the world but also to all humanity because it answers some of the fundamental questions of human existence. Be open in all faithfulness and sincerity, laying bare both good and evil. Tags: « Prev: CHAPTER II. This should be fitting in regards to the state of life to which God has called you. “Wheresoever we may be, we may and should aim at a life of perfect devotion” (10). Anxiety – anxiety is the soul’s greatest enemy, sin only excepted. It goes to the heart of becoming good. Evening exercise – gratitude, examination, offer to God yourself, ask for protection. It is at once easy to read, being laid out in short chapters, yet thorough, authoritative, reliable, kind and gentle a mirror of its author. the footnotes in this edition 46 . Reg. All our actions must be offered to God. Submit Review. If this doesn’t work, do not be disheartened, present yourself before God humbly, knowing that He delights in seeing you. does call all to live a Christ-centered life. Consolation – must encourage us to humility and good works. “The world is an unjust judge, partial and indulgent to its own children, but harsh and rigorous towards the children of God” (250). Remember that “one day of devotion is worth more than a thousand years of worldly gratification” (252). 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. 1. Gentleness perfects us towards our neighbor. His fifth and final edition was published in 1619. Containing counsels concerning the practice of virtue (cont) 33. Small temptations – Overall, resisting these lesser temptations provides us with more benefit because they are continual trials for devout and fervent persons. Change ). Add to Basket. by St. Francis De Sales ~~~~~ Originally written in French 1607-08 and first published in 1609, this book was an overnight classic. His writings on the perfections of the heart of Mary as the model of love for God influenced Jean Eudes to develop the devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Strive to extract holy thoughts and pious aspirations from all the varying circumstances of our mortal life. Devout Lif e by St. Francis of Sales attempts to help Chr istians discer n what it means to be a child of God in a secular w orld. Grouped product items; Paperback. Introduction to the Devout Life. In doing so, any loss will not deprive us of composure or tranquility. True devotion is the perfection of charity. Andrew Hanson. (4) Holy submission to God – Abandon yourself entirely to God’s Providence, “willing that He should do what He will with you amidst your thorns and your desires” (286). Make concrete resolution and specify the exact means of carrying it out. Conversation – When you speak of God, let it be done with reverence, devotion, gentleness, charity, and humility. Together with a summary of his life, and a collection of his choisest maximes, now added to this last edition 1662, [s.n.] Its aim is to help you be rid of sin and even the inclinations to sin. Charity alone can place us in perfection, but obedience, chastity, and poverty, are the three principal means by which to attain to it. It goes to the heart of becoming good. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Cross, Introduction to the Devout Life , Sermons, Spiritual Conferences, and Letters. And no better guide to Heaven exists than An Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Doctor of the Church. “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). ADDED, FEBRUARY 2019: Self-care with St. Francis de Sales. You will always find His eyes fixed upon you with unchangeable love” (84). Font. Francis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. Be not surprised, then, replied the apostle, that I should sometimes remit somewhat of my close application and attention of spirit in order to enjoy a little recreation, that I may afterwards employ myself more fervently in divine contemplation (214). Cross, Introduction to the Devout Life , Sermons, Spiritual Conferences, and Letters. True devotion is when 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 God’s heavenly inspirations and counsels of perfection” (5). My summary notes for: Francis de Sales, Saint. ... *Summary of Your Review *Review. Receive Jesus in Holy Communion. St. Francis recommends a general confession as the most profitable beginning to start the devout life (16). The “devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life” (6). 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. 1. During his lifetime, St. Francis de Sales gave spiritual direction to many individuals. (3) Go to your confessor. “The devout life is faithfully represented by Jacob’s ladder. Chastity – has its origin in the heart and its substance in the body. ( Log Out /  Tip: Devote 1 hour daily to mental prayer – if you can, let it be early in the morning. If we persevere, “we shall gradually, by the help of His grace, learn to speak, to act and will like Him” (61). For example, in February 1609, he wrote Madame de Chantal to ask her to return to him “all the letters and memoirs I have ever sent you, if you still But I was no less comforted when I found her in her father’s 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. It often happens that the lives and suggestions of some of the great Saints are inspiring but leave those who are not living a vocation as a religious wondering how to best carry out their devotion. These workbooks are in PDF format. Introduction to the Devout Life. It goes to the heart of becoming good. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. Privacy, 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. Themes include: Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedly; Incorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy Use utmost care and diligence in resisting these. An Introduction to the Devout Life is a book to be read over and again with pencil in hand. Persevere in this blessed undertaking of a devout life – “. It is a book to make your guide for the rest of your life. Bible Version. “It is a favourable feature of this war, that so long as we will fight, we must be victorious” (15). It provides a series of practical meditations that can enrich the reader's prayer life. “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. “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 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). 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 God’s Divine Majesty. Special thanks to Al Reichelt and Judi Kenney of Our Lady of Good Counsel parish in Vienna, Virginia, who developed the first in the series dealing with Wendy Wright's book on the Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God. 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. Without it repose is but idleness, labour but trouble; therefore, I beseech you, cleave steadily to it, and never forsake it” (91). Print. Devout life does not require withdrawal from the world. Awareness that God dwells in your heart and spirit. You're reviewing: Introduction to a Devout Life How do you rate this product? ISBN: 9780281077090. Mass – The most holy, sacred and royal sacrifice is the Sun of all spiritual exercises, the center of the Christian religion, the heart of devotion, the soul of piety; an ineffable mystery which embraces the untold depths of divine charity, and in which God, giving Himself to us, bestows upon us freely all His favours and graces (92). 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). By: Allan Ross, St. Francis de Sales, Allan Ross. Get any books you like and read everywhere you want. Obedience consecrates our heart, chastity our body, and poverty our means to the love and service of God. 4 ways to do this (only choose 1 and keep it short and simple): (2) Invocation – Humble yourself before God and ask for the grace to serve and worship Him in your meditation. ( Log Out /  Shipping. An Introduction to the Devout Life, Part 3 by St. Francis de Sales. Summary 'What was revolutionary, in Francis, was his belief that one could remain in the world and yet be holy.' Its aim is to help you be rid of sin and even the inclinations to sin. 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. St. John said to him: Why do you not carry your bow always bent? Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. (For more details see pages 42-43). No one will come away without being profoundly impressed and being motivated to enter upon the devout life . This was the central insight of Saint Francis de Sales, a 16th-century priest whose Introduction to the Devout Life has not gone out of print in almost four centuries. We can glorify God in a secular world, and be a testimony to the world of God's abounding grace and love. 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. In Order to Read Online or Download Introduction To The Devout Life Full eBooks in PDF, EPUB, Tuebl and Mobi you need to create a Free account. INTRODUCTION TO A DEVOUT LIFE (cont) by St Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church: PART III. Introduction to the Devout Life Paperback – March 26, 2009 by St. Francis de Sales (Author), Allan Ross (Editor, Translator) 4.7 out of 5 stars 25 ratings 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. eBook. Avoid immodest persons. 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). Perfection lies in entertaining no friendships that are not pure, holy, and sacred (179). The Introduction is a collection of letters of instruction de Sales wrote in response to a relative’s many questions about how to live a devout life to Christ. dedicatory prayer by saint francis de sales 48 . These three branches of the spiritual cross are grounded on a fourth, viz., humility. Francis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. St. Francis De Sales advice will be a guide for the rest of your life. Francis says, Devotion is spiritual agility and vivacity, by means of which charity works in us, or we in her, with love and readiness; and as charity leads us to obey and fulfill all God's Commandments, so devotion leads us to obey them with promptitude and diligence. To CALCULATE the shipping cost and see the available shipping options: add an item(s) to the shopping cart, go to "My Cart" page and enter your country, state and postal code. And no better guide to Heaven exists than An Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Doctor of the Church. An Introduction to the Devout Life is a book to be read over and again with pencil in hand. Persevere  – We must be patient and persevere in the path of Christian perfection. introduction: the origin of the ³introduction" 40 . Turn your heart to Jesus Christ crucified and kiss His sacred feet. The Introduction to the Devout Life: A short summary In his book, The Introduction to the Devout Life, Saint Francis de Sales offers advice to the individual living in the midst of this crazy world and wishing to pursue a holy life.Each chapter in his book offers practical ways to work through and overcome the temptations of the world. “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). Aa Aa. A new translation of this enduring spiritual classic: In late 1608, St. Francis de Sales, the Catholic Bishop of Geneva, published his first edition of the Introduction to the Devout Life. To purify yourself from your imperfections. It goes to the heart of becoming good. Let your speech be gentle, frank, sincere, clear, simple, and truthful. The “devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life” (6). “There is always greater benefit and comfort to be derived from the public service of the Church than from private devotions” (95). Text Size. All temptations are never permitted by God save to those whom He purposes to exalt in His pure and excellent love (259). 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? Introduction to the Devout Life. The Introduction to the Devout Life is one of the books that made St. Francis great. 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. The many aspects that are shown to help one understand what it really means to live a devout life, not a religious life were very good. We are not always able to banish the temptation but we can take no pleasure in the sin and refuse consent. As Bishop of Geneva in the first quarter of the seventeenth century, Francis de Sales saw to the spiritual needs of everyone from the poorest peasants to court ladies. Their hearts nor their hearts in riches 8.76 ; book + eBook ;.! 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