Francis De SalesIntroduction to the Devout Life (Image Classics)

Having read this book, I can now understand why St. Francis de Sales is a doctor of the Church. Simply put, Philothea, or An Introduction to the Devout Life is a roadmap to Heaven. But unlike many of the theological tracts or mystical tomes which one often finds professing to do the same thing, this book is, very simply, a practical manual for living a devout life in a world that is often antagonistic to Christianity. It is also the closest many will get to having a canonized saint as one's own spiritual director.The advice offered is excellent, grounded in sacred Scripture and the teachings of the saints, and enlivened with colorful metaphors. (St. Francis obviously had an affinity for bees.) Though St. Francis lived 400 years ago, his guidance easily translates to life in the 21st century. He had a keen insight into the workings of the human mind, the devious yet innocent-seeming temptations presented by the devil, and the challenges faced by the soul seeking to live a pious life amid the petty cares of everyday life. And his insights transcend time and culture.No one can read this book without finding a section that directly applies to them, whatever their state of life. St. Francis's spiritual exercises, admittedly, are difficult. But who can doubt that following them to the full would have wonderfully efficacious effects on the soul? I have begun instituting a subset of them in my own life and have already reaped benefits. I hope to include more of them as time goes on and my spiritual stamina improves.St. Francis's advice on correct behavior, attitude, and personal morality is incredibly wise. Those who read and accept these teachings will assuredly live happier, more fulfilling lives, which are more pleasing to God. The several chapters on friendship--specifically true friendship versus worldly friendship--were of particular utility to me. I think many young Catholics would do well to read and ponder St. Francis's words on the subject so as to avoid temptation and the near occasion of sin in their relationships.In short, this book is a masterpiece of spiritual advice and I can't recommend it highly enough. Best of all, one need not read it cover-to-cover. It may be dipped into for incidental advice based on the reader's own flaws, strengths, state of life, and spiritual needs. If you are looking for a straight-forward, uncomplicated path to Christian devotion, this book is it.

Introduction to the Devout Life is a classic guide for lay people seeking to live a devout Christian life. 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. It is for this purpose St. Francis de Sales wrote this work, aimed at gathering the best of the devotional practices and knowledge from Christian history and presenting them in proper form for the common man or woman, whether they be the President, a soldier, a college student, or a housewife. As St. Francis so wisely points out, devotion must be exercised in different ways by all different groups of people. It is not fitting devotion for a bishop to live in solitude like a hermit, nor for a mother to spend the whole day in church like a religious."True devotion does us no harm whatsoever, but instead perfects all things. When it goes contrary to a man's lawful vocation, it is undoubtedly false." (p. 44)If you are earnestly seeking to live out your love of God to the fullest, this is an indispensable tool for the journey. Every Christian, Catholic or Protestant, should read this book.

"Introduction to the Devout Life" is a good work of spiritual advice for those beginning to take their prayer life seriously, and those needing to refresh themselves with a reintroduction to the basics of a life of prayer. St. Francis de Sales wrote this work with laymen in mind, and it is very much suited to those who live "in the world." It is divided into five parts, one which introduces exercises to get one started, a second which gives counsel on prayer and the sacraments, a third on the practice of the virtues, a fourth on how to avoid temptations in the spiritual life, and the last gives some instruction on how to renew our spiritual devotion and confirm ourselves in it. St. Francis' gentle manner makes for relatively light reading, given the age of the work, and John Ryan's translation is very accessible. Given that there are theological differences, it might offend certain types of Protestants with its emphasis on sacraments and the like, but with that qualification I heartily recommend it to any Christian seeking to deepen their life of prayer.

Last spring I was suffering from a malaise in my faith, having become a Catholic in 2005. Nothing that I read seemed to satisfy the hunger that I felt. My spiritual guide recommended that I read this book. It was a revelation. St. Francis' writings are as topical today as they were exactly four hundred years ago (this book was origianlly published in 1609). A series of meditations and letters to the reader, St. Francis walks you through a journey of discovery of what devoutness is, and how it is manifested in our daily lives. Easy to read but deep in meaning, I recommend this to anyone who is looking to take the nest leg of their spiritual journey.

Gave these as gifts. Have one myself that's worn and falling apart. When you read this advice to Philothea, love of God , you will feel like he is speaking to you. The advice he gives is for you especially. Easy to read and take to heart. This is the book you keep the rest of your life and read again and again and look things up when certain parts of your life need some Christian counseling or support for how you're trying to live in this world.

I loved how specific the book is on how to become more pious. Spiritual exercises and practical advise make it perfect for anyone wanting to be more in tune with the great tradition of devotion. Plus it's good binding and a great translation.

Surprisingly relevant today.

I haven't read a lot of these kinds of books yet.. But it sure is an awesome starter. Loved it.

Not quite acetic but a good guide.

nice

It works very well as a devotional book. I will continue to use this book for my devotional prayer life.