An Introduction to the Devout Life (TAN Classics Edition)

By: Francis de Sales

Narrated by: Kevin O'Brien

As no sensible person would make a long road trip without first consulting a map, so the person intent upon gaining Heaven should first resort to a competent guide to reach that Goal of all goals. And no better guide to Heaven exists than An Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622), Doctor of the Church. It is at once easy to listen, being laid out in short sections, yet thorough, authoritative, reliable, kind and gentle - a mirror of its author. It is an audiobook, moreover, for all, because all are called to the devout life. True devotion to God, the author points out, adorns every vocation. The devout life, moreover, is a lovely, pleasant, and happy life.

Addressed as a personal letter to Philothea, the lover of God which genuinely represents the reader, the book covers: from our first desire to lead a devout life to 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 becoming confirmed in our practice of devotion. St. Francis says, Devotion is spiritual agility and vivacity, by means of which charity works in us, or we in her, with love and readiness; and as charity leads us to obey and fulfill all God's Commandments, so devotion leads us to obey them with promptitude and diligence.

An Introduction to the Devout Life is a book to be listened again and again. It is an audiobook to make your guide for the rest of your life. It goes to the heart of becoming good. Its aim is to help you be rid of sin and even the inclinations to sin. Alone, its 10 brief meditations in Part I will orient you toward God for the rest of your life. No one will come away without being profoundly impressed and without being motivated to enter upon the devout life...which leads ultimately to God and to Heaven.

Public Domain (P)2019 TAN Books

Great audio

Great audio and great translation. This is very easy to listen to, a great way to get through this spiritual classic. Such good words of wisdom.

Necessary Classic!

Necessary for everyone to read. Beautifully performed. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Devotion

A great set of rules and direction on how to live a devout life, for the glory of God. It’s a map wher the treasure is salvation and rest.

Great audio

While this translation doesn’t use more modern language, the way the book was read in this audiobook make it easy to digest. I honestly wish more translations were read this way. The pacing (?) and intonation were perfect. And it was not read in a performative, theatrical way, which I really appreciated. The book itself is really beautifully written, and this audio enhanced this aspect rather than detracted from it.

Beautiful

St Francis De Sales is my patron saint. It is a great blessing to have his writings read to me. Very beautiful lessons in this book.