INTRODUCTION TO THE DEVOUT LIFE by ST. FRANCIS SALES

“You aim at true devotion, my dear Philothea, because, as a Christian, you know how acceptable it is to the Divine Majesty. But inasmuch as trifling errors at the outset of any undertaking are wont to increase rapidly as we advance, frequently becoming almost irreparable, it is needful that, first of all, you should ascertain wherein lies the virtue of devotion.”

—St. Francis de Sales 

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE DEVOUT LIFE (French: Introduction à la vie dévote) is a book written by Saint Francis de Sales, the first edition being published in 1609. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. It enjoyed wide popularity, and was well received in both Protestant and Catholic circles, evidenced by its translation into all major languages of the day. It is typically categorized as a form of reading known as lectio divina (divine reading), based on the Christian monastic practice of spiritual reading. Like The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, it is considered a spiritual classic in the Christian tradition. The work is also used as a guide in Christian spiritual direction.

Addressed as a personal letter to Philothea (which means “lover of God”) this book covers all the parts of a devout life:

Our desire to lead a devout life 

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 confirmation in our practice of devotion