Introduction to the Devout Life

by St. Francis de Sales

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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 retirement. But my object is to teach those who are living in towns, at court, in their own households, and whose calling obliges them to a social life, so far as externals are concerned. Such persons are apt to reject all attempt to lead a devout life under the plea of impossibility; imagining that no one who is immersed in the tide of temporal affairs ought to presume to seek the palm of Christian piety. Of a truth this is not easy, and for that very reason I would have Christians bestow more care and energy than heretofore on the attempt, and thus it is that, while conscious of my own weakness, I endeavour by this book to afford some help to those who are undertaking this noble work with a generous heart.

Book Summary

This book is a guide to living a devout life while remaining engaged in the secular world. It argues that true devotion is not reserved for monks and nuns but is accessible to everyone, regardless of their profession or social standing. The author, St. Francis de Sales, uses the fictional character of "Philothea" (meaning "lover of God") to personify the soul seeking a deeper relationship with God. The book is structured as a series of practical counsels and spiritual exercises designed to purify the soul, cultivate virtue, and overcome common temptations.

Part 1: The Path to Devotion

This section serves as an introduction to the devout life, defining true devotion as a sincere and active love for God that permeates every aspect of one's life. St. Francis de Sales emphasizes that devotion is not about external displays of piety but about an internal transformation of the heart. He guides the reader through a process of purification, starting with a general confession to cleanse the soul of past sins and their lingering attachments. The section includes a series of meditations on fundamental Christian truths such as creation, sin, death, judgment, heaven, and hell, all designed to inspire a firm resolution to serve God.

Part 2: Growing Closer to God

Having set the foundation, the second part focuses on the primary means of uniting with God: prayer and the sacraments. The author provides a detailed method for mental prayer, or meditation, centered on the life and passion of Jesus Christ. He explains the importance of daily spiritual exercises, including morning and evening prayers, spiritual retirement throughout the day, and ejaculatory prayers (short, spontaneous aspirations to God). This section also highlights the significance of the Eucharist as the "sun of all spiritual exercises" and encourages frequent and devout reception of Holy Communion as a source of spiritual strength and nourishment.

Part 3: The Practice of Virtue

This part delves into the practical application of virtue in daily life. St. Francis de Sales advises the reader to cultivate a "spiritual bouquet" of virtues, with a special focus on those most relevant to one's state in life. He offers detailed guidance on patience, humility, gentleness, and purity, providing practical remedies against common failings like anger, pride, and lust. The author also addresses the challenges of living in the world, offering advice on how to handle riches with a spirit of poverty, how to engage in society without losing one's soul, and how to maintain modesty in dress and conversation. The section concludes with counsel for married people, widows, and virgins, tailoring the practice of virtue to their specific circumstances.

Part 4: Overcoming Temptations

The final major section of the book provides strategies for dealing with common spiritual struggles. St. Francis de Sales distinguishes between being tempted and consenting to temptation, offering encouragement to those who feel overwhelmed by spiritual dryness, anxiety, or sadness. He explains that these trials are often permitted by God to purify the soul and strengthen it in love. The author provides practical remedies for both major and minor temptations, emphasizing the importance of turning to God in prayer, seeking the guidance of a spiritual director, and persevering in good works even when they feel fruitless. The book concludes with a call to renew one's good resolutions annually, reminding the reader that the devout life is a lifelong journey that requires constant effort and perseverance, all for the love of God.