Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV

We must ignore the negative remarks of worldly people

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 1

As soon as the worldly-minded observe that you are determined to follow the devout life, they will fling at you a thousand darts of mockery and slander.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 1)

We must have great courage

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 2

Though light is beautiful and pleasant, it dazzles our eyes if we have been in darkness for long.  Before we grow familiar with the inhabitants of any country, however courteous and gracious they are, we feel somewhat ill at ease.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 2)

The nature of temptation: the difference between feeling temptation and yielding to it

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 3

Imagine, Philothea, a young princess who is very dearly loved by her husband.  Some wicked man to seduce her and commit adultery with her sends a dishonourable messenger to arrange with her his disgraceful proposal.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 3)

Encouragement to those in temptation

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 5

Philothea, God allows these great trials and temptations only to those whom he wishes to raise to His pure and excellent love.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 5)

How temptation and pleasure can be sinful

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 6

The princess mentioned earlier was not responsible for the dishonourable proposal made to her, since as we have assumed, it was made against her will.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 6)

Remedies against great temptations

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 7

As soon as you feel yourself tempted, follow what little children do when they see a wolf or a bear in the field.  They run at once to their father’s or mother’s arms or at least call out to them for help and assistance.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 7)

We must resist small temptations

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 8

It is true, we have to resist great temptations with invincible courage, and the victory which it brings is very profitable.  But perhaps we may be able to gain greater profit resisting well small temptations.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 8)

Remedies against small temptations

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 9

These small temptations to vanity, suspicion, irritability, jealousy, envy, flirtation and similar follies, hover before our eyes, like flies and gnats stinging us sometimes on the cheek, and sometimes on the nose.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 9)

How to strengthen the heart against temptations

  Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 10

Reflect sometimes on what are your dominating passions. After discovering them, adopt a way of life completely contrary to them in thoughts, words and deeds.

(Read further in Introduction to the Devout Life, Part IV, Chapter 10)

Counsels

  In the Midst of the World: A Call to Holiness

Even though the temptation to any sin whatsoever should last all our life, it cannot render us displeasing to God, provided we do not take pleasure in it or consent to it.  St. Paul suffered temptations of the flesh for a long time and glorified God thereby.

(Read further in In the Midst of the World: A Call to Holiness, Chapter 9, Counsels)

Temptation

  Sermon for the First Sunday of Lent, February 13, 1622

This is an admonition of the Sage: "My son, if you intend to serve God, prepare your soul for temptation," for it is an infallible truth that no one is exempt from temptation when he has truly resolved to serve God. This being the case, Our Lord Himself chose to be subjected to temptation in order to show us how we ought to resist it.

(Read further in Sermons of St. Francis de Sales for Lent, Sermon 2, Temptation)

Facing temptations while trusting in God

  Letters to a Gentleman

(Letters of Spiritual Direction, "Facing temptations while trusting in God")

What is of greater concern to me now is that everyone says that besides your physical illness, you are suffering from deep depression.  I can imagine how much this will slow down your return to perfect health and breed the very opposite condition.  Now, sir, my heart is very sad to hear this, and since I have such deep, inexpressible affection for you, I also feel great compassion for your family.

(Read further in Letter to a Gentleman, Letters of Spiritual Direction)

Dealing with temptations

  Letters to Jane de Chantal

(Letters to Persons in the World, "Do not worry yourself about temptations")

Your temptations against the Faith have come back, and although you do not respond to them even with a single word, they press you.  You do not respond to them: that is good, my child.  But you think too much of them; you fear them too much; you dread them too much.  They would do you no harm without that.

(Read further in Letter to Jane de Chantal, Letters to Persons in the World)

Throw yourself into God's Arms

  Letters to a Wife and Mother

There is no harm in feeling a little satisfaction when with God’s grace we are successful in meeting our temptations, as long as we hold our enthusiasm in check with the virtue of humility.

(Read further in Letters to a Wife and Mother)

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