Plaushin O.S.F.S., Mark. (4) Holy submission to God Abandon yourself entirely to Gods Providence, willing that He should do what He will with you amidst your thorns and your desires (286). Conclusion of this First Purification. CHAPTER VII. CHAPTER XV. #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. 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. Pray 12-minutes a day to help God save America. If you possess them preserve your heart from loving them. It's full of practical advice on prayer, virtues, vices, friendships, and so much more. 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. True devotion is the love of God in the highest form. 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. Some Useful Hints as to Meditation. CHAPTER II. 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. Meditation on the Benefit conferred on us by God in calling us to His Service. ), PRAY WITH CATHOLICS EVERYWHERE TO SAVE AMERICA, 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. Actions We must be faithful in things great and small. Things that spoke to me in the past did not this time. How to resist Minor Temptations. 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 short Method of Meditation. Use utmost care and diligence in resisting these. 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. Gather your spirit into the oratory of your heart and lay open your soul and speak face to face with God (84). 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). 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. 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). 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). In doing so, any loss will not deprive us of composure or tranquility. CHAPTER XIV. Faithfully render'd into English. Examination of the Soul as to its Progress in the Devout Life. not only is it 400 years old but sometimes each sentence demands serious contemplation for a few days. Of the other Public Offices of the Church. 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. 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. I've read this book a few times, and although it's about 400 years old, it's a gem. 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. But seeing that the small errors people are wont to commit in the beginning of any . 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). Persevere in this blessed undertaking of a devout life . Advice and encouragement for lay Catholics pursuing a personal relationship with God from a Doctor of the Church. CHAPTER III. Francis de Sales's Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. Gentleness perfects us towards our neighbor. CHAPTER XXII. The devout life is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life (6). CHAPTER XVIII. Highly recommend for anyone looking for concrete advice on the spiritual life! Consider what He is doing, and what you are doing. CHAPTER VII. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. I listened to the podcast in the morning and then read the associated sections in the afternoon. CHAPTER I. CHAPTER XV. Written over 400 years ago, Introduction to the Devout Life is still one of the most popular books for those pursuing holiness. Pursuing a devout life whole-heartedly Jenkins examine St. Francis de Sales' Philothea, or An Introduction to the Devout Life: How a double-minded man is also a double. "[8], sfn error: no target: CITEREFFrancis_de_Sales/ed._Ryan_p.33 (, sfn error: no target: CITEREFFrancis_de_Sales/ed._Ryan_p.44 (. CHAPTER XXIV. (LogOut/ He teaches on how to perfect ones lifestyle to make these changes permanent. One thing more, dear reader. How to select that which we should chiefly Practise. 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). However, it is not meant to be interpreted that way, merely as a catalyst to a newer and brighter beginning. All temptations are never permitted by God save to those whom He purposes to exalt in His pure and excellent love (259). 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. Be careful and diligent in work but never hurried or anxious. Privacy. Devotion is suitable to every Vocation and Profession. 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. THE DESCRIPTION OF TRUE DEVOTION. The Need of a Guide for those who would enter upon and advance in the Devout Life. "Reading Your Way to Heaven" Introduction to the Devout Life - Introduction: Part 1 - Chapter 10 (Podcast Episode 2019) - Plot summary, synopsis, and more. 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. Introduction to the Devout Life is one of the great religious and devotional masterpieces. Of Amusements and Recreations: what are allowable. CHAPTER XXI. Prayer, united to this Divine Sacrifice, has unutterable power (92). CHAPTER XI. 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. $14.06 2 Used from $4.42. 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. 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*). CHAPTER XVII. Because, answered the huntsman, if it were always bent I fear it would lose its spring and become useless. Remember then frequently to retire into the solitude of your heart, even whilst you are externally occupied in business or society (84). We must be Faithful in Things Great and Small. 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. INTRODUCTION To A DEVOUT LIFE. Read Full Description Details SKU: 9781954881587 ISBN: 9781954881587 Weight: 1.821 lb 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).. Consolation must encourage us to humility and good works. Invocation, the Second Point of Preparation. The desire to be closer to God that he found in people from all levels of . PART I. 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star. True devotion is the perfection of charity. The devout life "renders all such actions easy, pleasant, and grateful" (6). It is too true that I who write about the devout life am not myself devout, but most certainly I am not without the wish to become so, and it is this wish which encourages me to teach you. 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. St. John said to him: Why do you not carry your bow always bent? Topics catholic Collection opensource. This took me almost all year to read, because I read it a bit at a time, but it was amazing. PART III. Wherever we may be, we can and should aspire to the perfect life."[6]. it's hard to move through this book fast. 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. 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! Summary. The Third Part of Meditation, Affections and Resolutions. How to possess a rich Spirit amid real Poverty. Of Dryness and Spiritual Barrenness. CHAPTER XVII. Gentleness towards others and Remedies against Anger. This masterpiece of Christian literature by a 16th-century priest explains how to live a holy life in the secular world. CHAPTER IX. Amusements recreation is good to relax the mind and body but we must guard against excess either in the time they occupy or in the importance given to them (for then they become evils as soon as they absorb the heart). If you are looking to deepen your faith, understand your faith, this book is for you! It is well yearly to renew Good Resolutions by means of the following Exercises. It is typically categorized as a form of reading known as lectio divina ("divine reading"), based on the Christian monastic practice of spiritual reading. Remedies for Great Occasions. Copyright 2023 Ascension Press. Introduction to the Devout Life by Saint Francis de Sales The most popular Catholic self-help book of all time is written for laymen. CHAPTER XX. This book was like having a saint as your personal spiritual director. 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. 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. CHAPTER XXIII. The Eternal Love of God for us. The Conclusion and Spiritual Bouquet. Concerning Dryness in Meditation. On Friendship: Evil and Frivolous Friendship. I really just mean that it is one of those books that I will refer back to again and again for spiritual help. CHAPTER VI. 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. St. Francis recommends a general confession as the most profitable beginning to start the devout life (16). See all formats and editions. This is not the first time I have read this classic of Christian spirituality. CHAPTER IV. St. Francis of Sales: Introduction to the Devout Life - Christian Classics Ethereal Library. During his lifetime, St. Francis de Sales gave spiritual direction to many individuals. Examination of the Soul's Condition as regards our Neighbour. External Mortification We must begin mortification from within. It was. The Third Point of Preparation, representing the Mystery to be meditated to Your Imagination. Whether you are running a tractor, a ba How do you grow closer to sainthood in your daily life? Reveal temptations to your spiritual director. How to make a General Confession. 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. Your spiritual guide must be filled with charity, knowledge, and discretion. Avoid immodest persons. Strive to extract holy thoughts and pious aspirations from all the varying circumstances of our mortal life. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Introduction to the Devout Life (Image Classics) at the best online prices at eBay! CHAPTER II. * 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. Like The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, it is considered a spiritual classic in the Christian tradition. Always follow holy desires if your affections are greatly kindled towards God after your preparation, yield to them without heeding any formal method. Remember that one day of devotion is worth more than a thousand years of worldly gratification (252). CHAPTER X. What true Devotion is. Infallibly true to anyone who strives for Sainthood. i am excited to re read it - and move through it on my own time. 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. Have a quiet, calm, and persevering repentance. Battling wisely against temptation 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. A continued habitual temperance is far better than occasional, rigid abstinence alternating with great relaxation. How can virtues be pursued and vices rooted out when temptations and occasions of sin abound? 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. [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. Thoughts and pious aspirations from all levels of for a few days habitual temperance is far better than occasional rigid. 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