Using a conversational tone, St. Francis de Sales explains the most serious of subjects: a complete plan leading to sanctified life, unfolding in easily understandable stages, and developing logically one after another. The careful arrangement and inner balance of the subject matter is reflected in brief topical chapters divided into five parts. After an initial process of dedicating heart and soul to God, we learn how on to pray and make the best use of the Sacraments. Then follows the practice of virtues, and being on guard against temptations. Finally, St. Francis prods us to renew our resolutions to love God, and cheerfully go on with our lives. Along the way, he provides a wide variety of advice suitable for those who live in the world, are enamored of God, and wish to lead a devout life. The appendix has further readings recommended by the author. For 400 years, this small book has been loved and admired everywhere, and has helped, as St. Francis wished, to make true piety known and practiced in every circumstance in life. He said that devotion, far from preventing us from doing our ordinary duties, helps us to perform them better, and that the care of one's family is rendered easier; the love of husband and wife is increased; the service done by citizens becomes more faithful; and all occupations become pleasanter and more agreeable. When the book appeared, Henry IV, King of France, said that it was far beyond what he had expected, and his Queen, Maria de' Medici, sent a copy studded with diamonds to James I of England, who is said to have always carried it on his person, and declared that it was rather the work of an Angel than of a man. This is a new translation based on the 1610 French edition.
