Published in 1609, Introduction to the Devout Life evolved from letters of spiritual direction from St. Francis de Sales to his cousin. De Sales wrote, “My purpose is to instruct those who live in town, within families, or at court, and are obliged to live an ordinary life as to outward appearances.

“Wherever we may be, we can and should aspire to the perfect life.” Indeed, the genius of this book is that it is addressed to “the common person” as contrasted to only the clergy, religious, and others living apart from the world. Introduction to the Devout Life consists of 5 smaller books dealing with the stages of a believer's spiritual journey. De Sales believes that each of us is called to be holy and therefore this union with God is not only attainable but also possible and desirable – in this life! St. Francis' optimism about our ability to cooperate with God in the work of our redemption is a most wonderful gift that he gives the Body of Christ.

Paperback, 320 pp.
Measures 5" by 7 1/2".