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Philothea; Or an Introduction to the Devout Life
Philothea; Or an Introduction to the Devout Life | St Francis De Sales
7 posts | 6 read | 2 reading | 6 to read
As no sensible person would make a long road trip without first consulting a map, so the person intent upon gaining Heaven should first resort to a competent guide to reach that Goal of all goals. And no better guide to Heaven exists than An Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Doctor of the Church. It is at once easy to read, being laid out in short chapters, yet thorough, authoritative, reliable, kind and gentle a mirror of its author. It is a book, moreover, for all, because all are called to the devout life. True devotion to God, the author points out, adorns every vocation. The devout life, moreover, is a lovely, a pleasant, and a happy life. (p. 5) Addressed as a personal letter to Philothea, the lover of God which genuinely represents the reader the book covers: our first desire to lead a devout life to our full resolution to do so, how we should approach God in prayer and the Sacraments, the practice of 16 important virtues, remedies against ordinary temptations, and becoming confirmed in our practice of devotion. St. Francis says, Devotion is spiritual agility and vivacity, by means of which charity works in us, or we in her, with love and readiness; and as charity leads us to obey and fulfill all God s Commandments, so devotion leads us to obey them with promptitude and diligence. (p. 3) An Introduction to the Devout Life is a book to be read with pencil in hand. It is a book to be read again and again. It is a book to make your guide for the rest of your life. It goes to the heart of becoming good. Its aim is to help you be rid of sin and even the inclinations to sin. Alone, its 10 brief meditations in Part I will orient you toward God for the rest of your life. No one will come away without being profoundly impressed and without being motivated to enter upon the devout life . . . which leads ultimately to God and to Heaven. This is the original TAN edition now with updated typesetting, fresh new cover, new size and quality binding, and the same trusted content.
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jmtrivera
Introduction to the Devout Life | Saint Francis (de Sales)
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Pickpick

St. Francis de Sales offers here a plan to living a more devout life from the first steps in its pursuit, through regular practices of virtue, to a regular self-examination & renewal. It's not always easy, but it is a simple & clear guide for the most part. It's a journey that requires much thought & meditation. It's worth it though & made me want to seek out more books to support & illustrate some of these ideas. Helpful & worth revisiting.

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Gina
Introduction to the Devout Life | Saint Francis (de Sales)
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There is deep truth in words. The power comes in how you interpret them. Post its on my door, full of quotes, lead the way to an inner truth I am forever seeking...

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LiteraryMind
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Pickpick

A fantastic read for bringing yourself closer to the faith in humility, devotion, and abundant love as God calls us all to be! Not only does it bring light to everyday encounters, but it also provides spiritual and personal challenges keeping you working towards the holiness of being a true follower of Christ, regardless of ones religious affiliation. 😊 #StFrancisDeSales

May the Lord grant us strength to embrace/share His love in this world! 🕯

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LiteraryMind
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Pickpick

A fantastic read for bringing yourself closer to the faith in humility, devotion, and abundant love as God calls us all to be! Not only does it bring light to everyday encounters, but it also provides spiritual and personal challenges that keep you working towards the holiness of being a true follower of Christ, regardless of ones religious affiliation. 😊 #StFrancisDeSales

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LiteraryMind
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Reflect upon the sufferings the martyrs endured, and how many there are who bear far greater trials than yours, and say, "Surely my labors are consolations, my pangs are as roses when compared to those who, without help, succor, or alleviation, overwhelmed with far greater misfortunes, live in perpetual death." ??

#ThereIsAlwaysWorse #HelpAsYouWishToBeHelped ?

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LiteraryMind
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It is a lovely flower this rose, but it fills my heart with sadness - recalling my sin for which the earth is doomed to bring forth thorns. #StBasil

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GoneFishing
Introduction to the Devout Life | Saint Francis (de Sales)

If, when stung by slander or ill-nature, we wax proud and swell with anger, it is a proof that our gentleness and humility are unreal, and mere artificial show.