Quotes from book
Introduction to the Devout Life

Name: Introduction to the Devout Life
Author: Francis de Sales

Introduction to the Devout Life is a book written by Saint Francis de Sales, the first edition being published in 1609. The final edition was published in 1619, prior to the death of Francis in 1622. It enjoyed wide popularity, and was well received in both Protestant and Catholic circles, evidenced by its translation into all major languages of the day. It is typically categorized as a form of reading known as lectio divina , based on the Christian monastic practice of spiritual reading. Like The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, it is considered a spiritual classic in the Christian tradition. The work is also used as a guide in Christian spiritual direction.

“It is the mark of a mean, vulgar and ignoble spirit to dwell on the thought of food before meal times or worse to dwell on it afterwards, to discuss it and wallow in the remembered pleasures of every mouthful. Those whose minds dwell before dinner on the spit, and after on the dishes, are fit only to be scullions.”

Francis de Sales book Introduction to the Devout Life

Pt. 3, ch. 39
Introduction to the Devout Life (1609)

“The elephant, not only the largest but the most intelligent of animals, provides us with an excellent example. It is faithful and tenderly loving to the female of its choice, mating only every third year and then for no more than five days, and so secretly as never to be seen, until, on the sixth day, it appears and goes at once to wash its whole body in the river, unwilling to return to the herd until thus purified. Such good and modest habits are an example to husband and wife.”

Francis de Sales book Introduction to the Devout Life

Introduction to the Devout Life (1609)

“Because friendship is intercommunication of love, therefore where love is not mutual, there can be no friendship.”

Francis de Sales book Introduction to the Devout Life

http://books.google.com/books?id=d8kCAAAAQAAJ&q=%22Because+friendship+is+intercommunication+of+love+therefore+where+love+is+not+mutual+there+can+be+no+friendship%22&pg=PA145#v=onepage
Car l'amitié est un amour mutuel, & s'il n'est mutuel, ce n'est pas amitié.
http://books.google.com/books?id=orIOAAAAQAAJ&q=%22car+l'amiti%C3%A9+est+un+amour+mutuel+%26+s'il+n'est+mutuel+ce+n'est+pas+amiti%C3%A9%22&pg=PA242#v=onepage
Pt. 3, ch. 17
Introduction to the Devout Life (1609)

“The damned are in the abyss of Hell, as within a woeful city, where they suffer unspeakable torments, in all their senses and members, because as they have employed all their senses and their members in sinning, so shall they suffer in each of them the punishment due to sin.”

Francis de Sales book Introduction to the Devout Life

Pt. 2, ch. 15
Introduction to the Devout Life (1609)

“Make friends with the angels, who though invisible are always with you…. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs.”

Francis de Sales book Introduction to the Devout Life

Pt. 2, ch. 16
Introduction to the Devout Life (1609)