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Introduction to the devout life;

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What more can be said about a work that during the four hundred years since its birth (1609) has never gone out of print, and is still garnering the highest praise from Christians of all denominations? A 'classic,' it truly is--'a masterpiece of mystical and devotional literature' (p. 13).

INTRODUCTION TO THE DEVOUT LIFE (hereafter, IDL) by Francis de Sales (John K. Ryan, ed.)(New York: Doubleday, Image Books, 1972) is the distillation of the written correspondence exchanged between the Roman Catholic bishop, Francis de Sales and his relative by marriage, Mademoiselle de Charmoisy (Marie de Chastel). Published only coincidentally when Marie showed the letters to the Jesuit priest, Pére Jean Fourier, who subsequently persuaded Francis to prepare them for publication. It is no wonder that Francis has been honored as the 'patron saint of writers'. His illustrations--frequently derived from nature--are always rich and informative, but sometimes overly florid. For example, he defines 'devotion' as: 'the delight of delights and queen of the virtues since it is the perfection of charity. If charity is milk, devotion is its cream; if it is a plant, devotion is its blossom; if it is a precious stone, devotion is its luster; if it is a rich ointment, devotion is its odor, yes, the odor of sweetness which comforts men and rejoices angels' (p. 43). Francis has also been deemed a 'Doctor of the Church' for his wisdom. Take for example this comment on the exercise of certain virtues: 'Occasions do not often present themselves for the exercise of fortitude, magnanimity, and great generosity, but meekness, temperance, integrity, and humility are virtues that must mark all our actions. We like sugar better than salt but salt is in more common and frequent use' (p. 121). In IDL Francis depicts what he would likely call the 'normal Christian life' as he understood it as a Roman Catholic bishop in the first decade of the seventeenth century. By his definition, devout Christians '. . . pray, fast, endure injuries, take care of the sick, give alms to the poor, keep vigils, restrain anger, suppress their passions, give up sensual pleasures, and perform other actions painful and rigorous . . .' (p. 41). Do we know any believers today in the early twenty-first century who fit this description?

My copy of IDL has more highlighting; in more colors; with more underlining; with more paper clips dotting its edge, than any other book I happen to own. It is one of the few books whose spine I have cracked into two pieces for reason of overuse. Protestants will have to overlook certain Roman Catholic nuance and what they may regard as an inappropriately high estimation for Mary, the mother of Jesus, but is there another Christian spiritual director from whom we can learn more about the subtleties of the human condition? As the editor observes: the book's '. . . greatness lies in many things: in its originality, its completeness, its sincerity, its balance, its penetration, and its style. It is one of those rare productions of human genius which are completely successful in what they wish to do. As such it is beyond adverse criticism in any important way' (p. 13). One criticism that might be attached, however, would concern Francis's prevalent tendency toward unwarranted, 'allegorical' interpretations of the Bible verses he treats. In this he follows the centuries old Roman Catholic tradition, and stands in contrast to the newly revived 'literal' interpretive methodology championed by the Protestant Reformers of the sixteenth century. The inclusion of a Scripture index by the editor would have increased the book's value as an easy reference, and would have encouraged revisits.

If you are presently receiving, or are contemplating receiving, spiritual counsel from someone who is charging you an hourly rate, try reading this book first. You may find more answers to your soul's need with this four hundred-year-old Swiss priest for whom 'the direction of souls was always his principal activity' (p. 10), than you might imagine, and for a miniscule fraction of the cost. Far more than 'charming', IDL is profoundly sublime and simply beautiful in its expression. It is the arresting result of how one imaginative and divinely inspired Christian counselor carefully ministered to the spiritual needs of a fellow 'Philothea' (lover of God) who sought his oversight and care to better conduct her life.

Francis, almost thou persuadest me to return to my Roman Catholic heritage.

I first read this book while attending a Salesian high school -- and I've returned to repeatedly in the ensuing years. It is a timeless guide to leading a life that is filled with the greatness and goodness of God. I was pleased to recently share it with my children who've also come to love it. So I was over joyed after receiving a Kindle for my birthday to discover it was available for Kindle. I am thrilled to have it but to my disappointment I found that the Kindle version is NOT the John K. Ryan translation -- widely consider to be the best translation. That is not to say that this isn't an adequate substitution, but it is unfortunate that the image used is that of the Ryan translation. I just wish the Kindle version didn't come up when searching for the Ryan book and that the Ryan book was actually available for Kindle.

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. 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. That is the gist of this work; for those individuals (which would indeed, unfortunately, be a large numer) who are not destined for a religious vocation or a life of monastic contemplation, the lessons contained within the Introduction to the Devout Life (if at least minutely adhered to) can become a moral and religious compass for individuals who are frightfully lost as a result of the freewheeling sexualization of society, unrepentant, insolent amour propre, the rise of unceasing materialism and other debasing wounds that can cause spiritual deadness and thus can become none too quick to heal. 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. One of the many pleasant aspects of this work is that it does not sermonize extreme ways for acquiring grace, but for people who have lived on the opposite side of the moral spectrum far longer than they care to acknowledge, bits of the book may seem very extreme. However, it is not meant to be interpreted that way, merely as a catalyst to a newer and brighter beginning. 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. Live, Jesus! to whom, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, now and throughout the endless ages of eternity. Amen."

Francis de Sales' devotional classic takes seriously the call to holy living and develops a focus on the perfection of the human character to an unprecedented degree and to a degree which, most likely, God intended. Addressed to "Philothea," she who would love God, it teaches us how to make an offering of our lives.

The book is divided into five major parts:

1. "Instructions and Exercises Needed to Lead the Soul from Its First Desire for the Devout Life Until Brought to a Full Resolution to Embrace It"
2. "Various Instructions for Elevating the Soul to God by Prayer and the Sacraments"
3. "Instructions on the Practice of Virtue"
4. "Necessary Counsels Against the Most Frequent Temptations"
5. "Exercises and Instructions for Renewing the Soul and Confirming It In Devotion"

Though the subheadings constitute an exhaustive and sometimes exhausting 119 chapters, down to the finest details of rules for widows and virgins, the overall effect is an intense and intentional focus on the innerworkings of the thoughts and desires of all of life. He is clearly indebted to Francis, Bernard, Augustine, and Gregory of Nazianzen.

The first part guides the readers through a series of (ten) meditations that motivate us to purify ourselves from sin and resolve to be wholly committed to a virtuous life. It is a study in self-purgation.

Secondly, de Sales walks us through meditations, retreats, and sacraments that bring us into the presence of God. We are reminded that this must be done with joy if it is to have meaning at all (p. 99).

Thirdly, we are coached on the virtues of humility and patience and chastity. He tells us how to keep poor in spirit, even in the presence of wealth (which seems a striking compromise for such a devoted work, p. 150). Here he becomes more specific and pragmatic. We are to have friendships that are not self-seeking or guided by pleasure. We should surround ourselves with virtuous people, like a drone needs bees to make honey (p. 177). We are to dress properly and govern our speech with caution. He warns against alcohol, gambling, and dancing (p. 196). Finally, widows and virgins are challenged to faithful abstinence.

The fourth is the negative side of the third, warning against the vices. This involves concern for pleasure, anxiety, sorrow, and spiritual dryness. It is primarily a resistance to inward tendencies, sounding like depression. He recommends a focus on external works, like embracing the crucifix, confession, and communion (p. 242).

Fifth, we are to practices the exercises that will daily renew our souls. This primarily comes in the form of self-awareness. We are to examine our souls in relations to its progress, its relation to God and neighbor. He gives us five considerations to keep us focused on the things that matter: the excellence of the soul, the excellence of virtue, the example of the saints who have gone before, the love of Christ, and God's eternal love.

Pragmatically, like the writings of Dallas Willard, the book opens up the possibility and reality of giving the soul and piety a kind of serious and sustained attention which is unfamiliar in modern American society. You walk away from the book wondering what the modern example of this sixteenth century manual looks like.

If you think that a book several hundreds years old is going to offer only "dated" theology, think again: Christianity is a revealed religion that claims to be given by God to humanity--and therefore no Christian doctrine can be changed. This book will seem strange to modern, post-Vatican-II Christians only if they don't understand their Faith. Vatican II changed no Church teaching, and in fact encouraged us to look to the great saints of the past for guidelines to our own development. Along with St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and St. Alphonsus of Liguori, St. Francis de Sales is among the most accessible, most reliable, and most immediately useful Catholic authors, and this is a fine edition. Get it! Read it! Learn what your Church teaches about life, and why.

This book was a required text for a Catholic Spirituality class that I took from Franciscan University of Steubenville. I absolutely loved the reading for several reasons: it helped transform my understanding of the spiritual life. Many think that a devout life is reserved only for those who have formally committed to that way of life, i.e., priesthood or religious life. However, St. Francis De Sales gives very practical guidelines for the spiritual life, helping his readers understand that the spiritual life is intended for ALL, and can be lived successfully by all. I suggest this book to anyone, in any walk of life, that is seeking direction in how to make great progress in their spiritual life.

Although this original text was written in the 1600's, it is as timely in todays modern world as ever. If anyone is looking for spiritual guidance and a way to grow closer to God, this book may help. Many of De Sale's examples are drawn from nature and help us to see our own sin and need for a loving God. The author provides insights on areas such as our own creation, on God's benefactions, on sin, on death, on paradise and our election and choice of heaven. It has changed my life and could change yours....

St. Francis' Introduction contains masterful yet accessible guidelines for improving one's relationship with God, as well as overcoming temptations and imperfections that separate us from Him. His use of analogy - usually from nature - clarifies his points beautifully. The love of God that is evident in St. Francis' words will inspire anyone to contemplate His Divine Love and Mercies.

This book is an instruction of devotion to those who live any kind of life, not just religious. So Saint Francis de Sales with that thought writes regarding an individual, which by desire of devotion wishes to the love of God. The instructions are broken down into five parts.

He starts by showing us how to turn our simple desire to a life of devotion into an absolute resolution. Among all of us, a Bishop should set the example of perfect devotion. But its practice cannot be the solitary life of a Carthusian. Nor would that be the life for a tradesman. True devotion does no harm, but rather leads all things toward perfection. True devotion actually makes your trade take on a great beauty. To follow our path of devotion we must purify our soul via the sacrament of penance. And this must be done with fore thought, if necessary write a list. We must truly depart from sin with all our heart. We must then be diligently exercising ourselves by starting our days with spiritual exercises. Which will help place us in the presence of God and beseech him to inspire us. The remainder of the section focuses on various meditations.

Then we learn how we may unite more to Our Lord. By use of the sacraments, God comes closer to us. And by holy prayer, in which he attracts us closer to Him. And above all mental prayer is recommended which has for its object the life and passion of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Then there is a short explanation of how to perform mental prayers. We are reminded that God is everywhere, especially in our heart and spirit.

The third part is to learn to advance in the exercises of the virtues. Charity is the most important of all virtues. For with charity come all the other virtues. When we exercise virtues, we should always prefer those that are in accord with our duty, not those that we feel are most agreeable. We must exercise virtues faithfully and discreetly.

Fourth he exposes us to some of the snares of our enemy and how we might escape them, and then move forward in our life of devotion. And finally, We stop and take a break. We renew our strength and examine our advancements in our devotion to God.

This is a perfect discourse on how to live a holy life in the secular world. Perhaps even more relevant today then when it was written.

This book is a good one for anyone wanting to draw closer to God. Even though this book was written almost fourhundred years ago the topics discussed here are as applicable today as they were then. Francis wrote these collections of spiritual instructions to teach as many people as possible to lead a devout life. The book talks of sin and how it affects our relationship with God, and then goes into the necessity of prayer and gives practical advice on how to pray. Some other topics covered are the necessity of living the virtues such as purity, humility and courage. This book will help you learn how to be more focused on God in the midst of every day life which sometimes can make it hard to stay focused on the most important thing.