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. CHAPTER V. Examination of your Condition as regards yourself. Examination of the Soul's Condition as regards our Neighbour. Of Balls, and other Lawful but Dangerous Amusements. St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results. CHAPTER X. 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). Nothing aggravates evil and hinders good so much as anxiety and worry. General Affections which should result from these Considerations, and Conclusion of the Exercise. The desire to be closer to God that he found in people from all levels of . By St. Francis de Sales Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V Part First. St. Francis gives tips to meditate on for each part of the Mass as well. Temptations The 3 degrees by which we fall into sin temptation, delectation, and consent. 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). Remedies for Great Occasions. Written for Christians in every walk of life and for every age, the book transcends secular lines and provides for a unique handbook of spiritual reflection for people in the world. Picture Jesus looking down from heaven on you. When to use such Amusements rightly. If you possess them preserve your heart from loving them. Your spiritual guide must be filled with charity, knowledge, and discretion. 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). This masterpiece of Christian literature by a 16th-century priest explains how to live a holy life in the secular world. 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! Anxiety anxiety is the souls greatest enemy, sin only excepted. 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 XIII. A seminal work of faith. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. 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. 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. While the letters are addressed to "Philothea" (Lover of God), they include the substance of correspondence with others as well as Marie de Charmoisy. Gather your spirit into the oratory of your heart and lay open your soul and speak face to face with God (84). St. Francis de Sales explains how to turn that desire for sanctity into resolutions that yield grace-filled results.Themes include:Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedlyIncorporating prayer and sacraments into a busy scheduleGrowing in virtueBattling wisely against . The Nature and Excellence of Devotion. 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. 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). This time I got the audiobook version since I know I will keep coming back to it. 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. Uploaded by (5) Be courageous and patient increase your good works. Morning exercise gratitude for the night, firm resolution for the day ahead, review the upcoming day, humble yourself, offer yourself to God. 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). "Introduction to the Devout Life". Friendship The more your friendship stands on the foundation of virtue, the more perfect it will be. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. An Answer to Two Objections which may be made to this Book. Because, answered the huntsman, if it were always bent I fear it would lose its spring and become useless. Let your speech be gentle, frank, sincere, clear, simple, and truthful. The Conclusion and Spiritual Bouquet. In this episode, Tom and Fr. Introduction to the Devout Life is a timeless gem and I was truly blessed by reading it. After the examine Thank God for His help. 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). (3) Go to your confessor. He delves into the maintenance, practice, and perfection of various virtues. Let us be firm in our plans and unchanging in our resolutions. 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. Jenkins examine St. Francis de Sales' Philothea, or An Introduction to the Devout Life: How a double-minded man is also a double. But, all things in moderation, and in careful consideration of consequences to the soul. Wherever we may be, we can and should aspire to the perfect life."[6]. 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. "Ogden O.S.F.S., Edward. Norris, Kathleen. 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). He teaches on how to perfect ones lifestyle to make these changes permanent. CHAPTER II. It's broken up into small "chapters" so it's great to read just one little tidbit each day. First and foremost, this book is a manual, a manual on how seek, find, and create a devout life, a life devoted to God. In essence I worked through the book twice. Examination of the Soul's Condition as regards God. CHAPTER XVII. The devout life is faithfully represented by Jacobs ladder. to whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and throughout the endless ages of eternity. The Nature and Excellence of Devotion. Aspirations, Ejaculatory Prayer and Holy Thoughts. Free shipping for many products! MUST, MUST read for all who are interested in furthering their religious life. "The devout life is faithfully represented by Jacob's ladder. 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). Of course, this book is not concerned with such politics and historical revisionismwhich have come after its completion. Be poor in spirit. Patience Patience in all trials is the key to possessing our souls. Have a quiet, calm, and persevering repentance. 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). How to make a General Confession. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Of a Well-Balanced, Reasonable Mind. CHAPTER XXI. Consider what He is doing, and what you are doing. Of the other Public Offices of the Church. However, it is not meant to be interpreted that way, merely as a catalyst to a newer and brighter beginning. If this doesnt work, do not be disheartened, present yourself before God humbly, knowing that He delights in seeing you. CHAPTER VII. One of the best Catholic classics I have ever read. CHAPTER XXII. Remedies against Evil Friendships. 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). CHAPTER XIV. PART II. Meditation is an act of understanding consisting of one or more reflections made with the view of exciting our affections towards God and the things of Heaven (70). 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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. A message from theCatholic Classics podcast hosts:St. Even if you resisted, have you taken pleasure in the temptation? CHAPTER XXIII. Evening Prayer and Examination of Conscience. 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. On The Practice of Bodily Mortification. I was expecting it to be a good read; I was not expecting it to be profoundly insightful. Persevere We must be patient and persevere in the path of Christian perfection. 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). The Impressions which should remain after this Exercise. this book gave me everything i was looking for and more. Written for Christians in every walk of life and for every age, St. Francis De Sales' classic work transcends secular lines and provides a unique handbook of spiritual reflection for people in every avenue of life. PART I. Making spiritual progress through daily, monthly, and yearly exercises How to select that which we should chiefly Practise. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. CHAPTER XXXV. 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. All Evil Inclinations must be purged away. Simply brilliant. #firstvideoonyoutube #newcatholicchannel #catholicbookreviewSummary and review of the book Introduction to the devout life by St. Francis de Sales.You can buy the book here: https://tanbooks.com/products/books/saints/books-by-saints/an-introduction-to-the-devout-life/?rfsn=7080582.365fbeOr on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3M47lv7By using the link above you support my channel as I get paid a small percentage of your purchase. (LogOut/ We must purify ourselves from all venial sins and evil inclinations and have adetachment from all useless activities. Fr. 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. I'll be returning to it many times in the future! CONTAINING NEEDFUL COUNSELS CONCERNING SOME ORDINARY TEMPTATIONS. Is living a holy life possible for those called to a vocation other than the religious life? I place this book in the same league as that classic The Imitation of Christ by Thomas of Kempis. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665. 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). web pages Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Introduction to the Devout Life (Im., St. Francis de at the best online prices at eBay! [4] According to poet Kathleen Norris, "De Saless easy way of employing images from nature is one of the great pleasures of his book. Wheresoever we may be, we may and should aim at a life of perfect devotion (10). CHAPTER I. 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. CHAPTER XXIII. Plaushin O.S.F.S., Mark. CHAPTER XXXIII. Description of True Devotion 1 II. (LogOut/ CHAPTER II. Prayer, united to this Divine Sacrifice, has unutterable power (92). We must develop a spirit of resistance, strengthened by continual prayer, participation in the Sacraments, and trust in God. Second Consideration--on the Excellence of Virtue. Turn your heart to Jesus Christ crucified and kiss His sacred feet. 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. CHAPTER XXVII. How remedy Minor Temptations. 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. I've read this book a few times, and although it's about 400 years old, it's a gem. Read & meditate on Sacred things. Fresh wounds are always the easiest to heal make immediate reparation for faults. What I particularly enjoy is his insistence on different spiritual acts for people in different states of life. Get help and learn more about the design. What true Devotion is. 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. The Third Point of Preparation, representing the Mystery to be meditated to Your Imagination. Small temptations Overall, resisting these lesser temptations provides us with more benefit because they are continual trials for devout and fervent persons. Never was anything done well that was done with haste and hurry (152). This beautiful book provides inspiration and guidance for all Catholics to deepen their personal relationship with God while living out their unique vocation. CHAPTER III. This beautiful book provides inspiration and guidance for all Catholics to deepen their personal relationship with God while living out their unique vocation. Make anopen profession of your desire to be devout. How the Saints are united to us. Andrew Hanson CCEL Intern Popularity 82% Available formats Read online Read on mobile Download Let St. Francis de Sales illumine the path to holiness and strengthen your desire to walk that road with the Lord. 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). Jacob Bertrand Janczyk, O.P. Be the first one to, Advanced embedding details, examples, and help, Terms of Service (last updated 12/31/2014). CHAPTER XXXI. CHAPTER XXIV. Almost all those who have written concerning the devout life have had chiefly in view persons who have altogether quitted the world; or at any rate they have taught a manner of devotion which would lead to such total . CHAPTER IV. 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). How to resist Minor Temptations. Be like a little child with one hand clinging to your father and the one hand gathers fruits. 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. Further Advice concerning Intimacies. St. Francis de Sales (15671622) was the Bishop of Geneva and a renowned spiritual director. But seeing that the small errors people are wont to commit in the beginning of any . Humility makes us rejoice in our own Abjection. This book is indispensable for all Catholics looking to live a devout lifeand fruitful for all others interested in such matters. We are gradually being formed by our desires and resolutions. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. 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! Amen. 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. CHAPTER III. 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. CHAPTER XVII. 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