Introduction to the Devout Life Book Review

            Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales works essentially to develop on those natural inclinations to spiritual devotion, as is typically displayed within the hearts of those newly introduced to Christianity. Originally published in 1609, the book focuses specifically on a gentle introduction into the nature of spiritual motivations and the practice of virtue. Additionally, the book develops further by highlighting the inherent challenges associated with the devout life, namely as they appear in the form of temptations and moral conflicts. Having established this rather basic context however, I will continue on more specifically in the paragraphs ahead, with the first paragraph focusing on Parts I, II, and III of the book, and the second focusing on Parts IV, and V.

            As we begin our review, we turn first to consider and highlight the central topics presented in Parts I, II, and III, which aim to consider one’s general introduction into spiritual practice, and its development into the practice of virtue. Thus, Part I highlights the soul’s journey from its first spiritual aspirations by stating that “love, being a spiritual fire… becomes devotion when it is fanned into a flame; and what devotion adds to the fire of love is that flame which makes it eager, energetic, and diligent, not merely in obeying God’s Commandments, but in fulfilling His Divine Counsels and inspirations.”[1] In a sense, we find that devotion is not fulfilled merely in one’s interest concerning the spiritual life, rather, it seeks a total transformation of the soul in its inclination toward faithful dependance upon God. This is highlighted further in the introduction to Part II, which notes the importance of prayer: “Prayer opens the understanding to the brightness of Divine Light, and the will to the warmth of Heavenly Love—nothing can so effectually purify the mind from its many ignorances, or the will from its perverse affections.”[2] Finally, Part III develops on the practice of virtue in stating that “In practicing any virtue, it is well to choose that which is most according to our duty, rather than most according to our taste.”[3] In recognizing the basic spiritual principles mentioned above, it would seem that in entering more deliberately into the spiritual life, one must begin by denying himself of any secondary personal aspirations, and look to focus more specifically on the will of God through prayer and the practice of virtue.

            Moving forward to consider the second half of the Introduction to the Devout Life, we find that de Sales turns specifically to consider the potential challenges one must often face when dedicating their life to God; Thus, in Parts IV and V, we are introduced to the subject of temptation, as well as to the constant challenge of renewing oneself in spiritual devotion. Turning firstly to consider Part IV then, we find that our most difficult battles often come as a result of our denial of worldly allure: “directly that your worldly friends perceived that you aim at leading a devout life, they will let loose endless shafts of mockery and misrepresentation upon you; the more malicious will attribute your change to hypocrisy, designing, or bigotry; they will affirm that the world having looked coldly upon you, failing its favor, you turn to God.”[4] Consequently, and in light of the many challenges one faces in pursuing the devout life, de Sales highlights the importance of renewing one’s intentions toward God. Thus, in Part V he states that “our earthly nature easily falls away from its higher tone by reason of the frailty and evil tendency of the flesh, oppressing and dragging down the soul, unless it is constantly rising up by means of a vigorous resolution... You need frequently to reiterate the good resolutions you have made to serve God, for fear that, failing to do so, you fall away.”[5]

            Now, in concluding this rather brief book review, one might find themselves rather dissatisfied with the mere basic introductions posed throughout. In my opinion, this would be justified; in recognizing the significance of the topics covered more deliberately in the completed work of the Introduction to the Devout Life, one must read through the texts more thoroughly in order to recognize their benefits. In terms of the aim of this review however, I feel that a rather basic introduction to the work of de Sales is sufficient at least to spark one’s interest in reading through the completed work. Therefore, as I conclude this review, I can speak only subjectively in stating that, by reading through the Introduction to the Devout Life, I feel much more personally inclined to pursue the Devout Life myself. Furthermore, it is my belief that anyone else who decides to read this timeless classic for themselves will be equally as satisfied.

 

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[1] De Sales, Francis, Introduction to the Devout Life, (Originally published in 1609), Online edition: https://www.catholicspiritualdirection.org/devoutlife.pdf#page140, 9

[2] De Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life, 31

[3] De Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life, 53

[4] De Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life, 113

[5] De Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life, 133