Introduction to the Devout Life
by Francis De Sales
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Book Summary Information
Author: Francis De SalesEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-04-09
ISBN: 0375725628
Number of pages: 288
Publisher: Vintage
Book Reviews of Introduction to the Devout Life
Book Review: Thorough
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Summary of Introduction to the Devout Life
Francis de Sales?s Introduction to the Devout Life has remained a uniquely accessible and relevant treasure of devotion for nearly four hundred years. As Bishop of Geneva in the first quarter of the sevenjteenth century, Francis de Sales saw to the spiritual needs of everyone from the poorest peasants to court ladies. The desire to be closer to God that he found in people from all levels of society led him to compile these instructions on how to live in Christ. Francis?s compassionate Introduction leads the reader through practical ways of attaining a devout life without renouncing the world and offers prayers and meditations to strengthen devotion in the face of temptation and hardship.Devout life does not require withdrawal from the world. 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. Francis served the church at a dangerous time in a dangerous place: during the Reformation, in Calvinist areas of France, when celebrating mass was punishable by death. He was a popular minister and a prolific letter writer whose correspondence was cherished for its clear and direct instruction in the ways of piety. The book collects passages from many of those letters, organized as one message addressed to the allegorical character Philothea (which means "lover of God"). The book includes long sections about prayer, temptation, and how to maintain and renew devotion to God. But it is most distinguished by its discussion of how to live a holy life in the secular world. Each chapter (such as "How to Combine Due Care for a Good Reputation with Humility") is frank, uncannily modern, and precise. --Michael Joseph Gross
Christian Living Books
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