Introduction to the Devout Life

by Saint Francis DE SALES (1567 - 1622)

Part 3 Ch 29 - On Slander.

Introduction to the Devout Life

First published in the early 17th century, it has proven its value as a daily spiritual guide and helpful reference for living an authentic Christian life. Written specifically for laymen, it began as letters from Saint Francis to a married woman who was seeking holiness amidst the distractions of her life of wealth and status. It contains treasures of wisdom for every reader, from eager beginner to lifelong Christian. Summary by Wikipedia and Phil Chenevert.


Listen next episodes of Introduction to the Devout Life:
Part 3 Ch 30 - Further Counsels as to Conversation. , Part 3 Ch 31 - Of Amusements and Recreations: what are allowable. , Part 3 Ch 32 - Of Forbidden Amusements. , Part 3 Ch 33 - Of Balls, and other Lawful but Dangerous Amusements. , Part 3 Ch 34 - When to use such Amusements rightly. , Part 3 Ch 35 - We must be Faithful in Things Great and Small. , Part 3 Ch 36 - Of a Well-Balanced, Reasonable Mind. , Part 3 Ch 37 - Of Wishes. , Part 3 Ch 38 - Counsels to Married People. , Part 3 Ch 39 - The Sanctity of the Marriage Bed. , Part 3 Ch 40 - Counsels to Widows. , Part 3 Ch 41 - One Word to Maidens. , Part 4 Ch 10 - How to strengthen the Heart against Temptation. , Part 4 Ch 11 - Anxiety of Mind. , Part 4 Ch 12 - Of Sadness and Sorrow. , Part 4 Ch 13 - Of Spiritual and Sensible Consolations, and how to receive them. , Part 4 Ch 14 - Of Dryness and Spiritual Barrenness , Part 4 Ch 15 - An Illustration. , Part 4 Ch 2 - The need of a Good Courage , Part 4 Ch 3 - Of Temptations, and the difference between experiencing them and consenting to them. , Part 4 Ch 4 - Two striking Illustrations of the same , Part 4 Ch 5 - Encouragement for the Tempted Soul. , Part 4 Ch 6 - When Temptation and Delectation are Sin. , Part 4 Ch 7 - Remedies for Great Occasions. , Part 4 Ch 8 - How to resist Minor Temptations. , Part 4 Ch 9 - How remedy Minor Temptations. , Part 4 CONCERNING ORDINARY TEMPTATIONS - Ch 1 We must not trifle with the Words of Worldly Wisdom. , Part 5 Ch 10 - First Consideration—of the Worth of Souls. , Part 5 Ch 11 - Second Consideration—on the Excellence of Virtue. , Part 5 Ch 12 - The Example of the Saints. , Part 5 Ch 13 - The Love which Jesus Christ bears to us. , Part 5 Ch 14 - The Eternal Love of God for us. , Part 5 Ch 15 - General Affections which should result from these Considerations, and Conclusion of the Exercise. , Part 5 Ch 16 - The Impressions which should remain after this Exercise. , Part 5 Ch 17 - An Answer to Two Objections which may be made to this Book. , Part 5 Ch 18 - Three Important and Final Counsels. , Part 5 Ch 2 - Meditation on the Benefit conferred on us by God in calling us to His Service. , Part 5 Ch 3 - Examination of the Soul as to its Progress in the Devout Life , Part 5 Ch 4 - Examination of the Soul’s Condition as regards God. , Part 5 Ch 5 - Examination of your Condition as regards yourself. , Part 5 Ch 6 - Examination of the Soul’s Condition as regards our Neighbour. , Part 5 Ch 7 - Examination as to the Affectations of the Soul. , Part 5 Ch 8 - The Affections to be excited after such Examination. , Part 5 Ch 9 - Reflections suitable to the renewal of Good Resolutions. , Part 5 PRACTICES FOR RENEWING AND CONFIRMING THE SOUL IN DEVOTION. Ch 1 - It is well yearly to renew Good Resolutions by means of the following Exercises.