Chapter 34: When to Use Such Amusements Properly
Chapter 35: We Must Be Faithful in Great and Small Matters
Chapter 36: Of a Well-Balanced, Reasonable Mind
Chapter 37: On Wishes
Chapter 38: Counsels to Married People
Chapter 39: The Sanctity of the Marriage Bed
Chapter 40: Advice to Widows
Chapter 41: One Word to Maidens
Needful Advice Concerning Some Ordinary Temptations
Chapter 1: We Must Not Trifle with the Words of Worldly Wisdom
Chapter 2: The Need for Good Courage
Chapter 3: On Temptations: The Difference Between Experiencing Them and Consenting to Them
Chapter 4: Two Striking Illustrations of the Same
Chapter 5: Encouragement for the Tempted Soul
Chapter 6: When Temptation and Delight Are Sin
Chapter 7: Remedies for Great Occasions
Chapter 8: How to Resist Minor Temptations
Chapter 9: How to Remedy Minor Temptations
Chapter 10: How to Strengthen the Heart Against Temptation
Chapter 11: Anxiety of Mind
Chapter 12: Of Sadness and Sorrow
Chapter 13: Of Spiritual and Sensible Consolations, and How to Receive Them
Chapter 14: Of Dryness and Spiritual Barrenness
Chapter 15: An Illustration
Counsels and Practices for Renewing and Confirming the Soul in Devotion
Chapter 1: Exercises for Yearly Renewal of Good Resolutions
Chapter 2: Meditation on the Benefit God Grants Us in Calling Us to His Service
Chapter 3: Examination of the Soul’s Progress in the Devout Life
Chapter 4: Examination of the Soul’s Condition as Regards God
Chapter 5: Examination of Your Condition as Regards Yourself
Chapter 6: Examination of the Soul’s Condition as Regards Our Neighbor
Chapter 7: Examination of the Soul’s Inclinations
Chapter 8: The Affections Following This Examination
Chapter 9: Reflections for the Renewal of Good Resolutions
Chapter 10: First Consideration — Of the Worth of Souls
Chapter 11: Second Consideration — On the Excellence of Virtue
Chapter 12: Third Consideration — The Example of the Saints
Chapter 13: Fourth Consideration — The Love Jesus Christ Has for Us
Chapter 14: Fifth Consideration — The Eternal Love of God for Us
Chapter 15: General Affections That Should Result from These Considerations, and Conclusion of the Exercise
Chapter 16: Impressions That Should Remain After This Exercise
Chapter 17: An Answer to Two Objections That Might Be Made to This Book
Chapter 18: Three Important and Final Counsels
Preface
Saint Francis de Sales
By Michael R. Heinlein
When Saint Francis de Sales was born in 1567 in Thorens-Glières, France, his father had his life planned out for him. This life would be one of nobility, with a career in law that would culminate with his appointment as a magistrate. Francis’ earthly father planned a prosperous and prestigious future for him, but it turned out that his heavenly Father had other plans.
The saint’s early life began with academic training close to home at a school for sons of noblemen, specializing in composition. He then studied philosophy, rhetoric, and theology at a Jesuit-run college in Paris. After obtaining his baccalaureate degree in 1584, Francis continued to study theology in Paris as he grew in his own practice of the Faith. He earned two more masters’ degrees, followed by a doctorate in law in Padua, Italy, in 1591. During his doctoral defense, his oratory skills and intellectual prowess left all forty-eight professors amazed.
Because he was of noble origin, Francis was accompanied during most of his studies by a servant and a priesttutor. In addition to his academic pursuits, he also received “gentlemanly formation,” including lessons in dancing, fencing, and boxing. He excelled in horsemanship, especially jumping and dressage.
As Francis was receiving his education, the doctrine of Calvinism was taking root throughout Europe, causing many Catholics to break away from the Faith. This would touch Francis’ life in many ways, both professionally and personally. As various Calvinist doctrines were debated publicly, especially in Paris during his time of study there, briefly he became convinced of predestination, a primary tenet of Calvinism.
In 1586, a period of depression and spiritual darkness struck Francis, growing out of an experience in which he became convinced
