Part 3 – Certain Counsels for the Practice of the Virtues
Chapter 1: How to Choose the Virtues to be Practiced in Particular
St. Francis de Sales begins by likening the righteous man to “a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season.” He explains that charity guides all virtues, like a general directing his soldiers. While some virtues, such as courage or magnanimity, are needed less frequently, others like meekness, temperance, modesty, and humility are always necessary. He advises that we should prefer virtues suited to our state in life, suggesting that everyone select a particular virtue for cultivation. This does not mean abandoning other virtues but focusing to keep one’s spirit more rightly ordered and occupied. For example, King St. Louis served those in hospitals with the same diligence as someone paid for the task. He further notes, “When assaulted by vice, you must oppose it with the opposite virtue, and use other virtues to sharpen the one most needed to defend.”
Chapter 2: Continued Discussion of the Choice of Virtues
In this chapter, St. Francis maintains sticking to the humble and safe practice of virtues rather than worrying about extraordinary favours like trances or raptures. These are given by God and not by our own efforts. Therefore, one should focus on cultivating virtues over seeking extraordinary spiritual experiences, as we have more control over the former.
Chapter 3: On Patience
St. Francis de Sales notes that many are willing to suffer evils as long as they are not inconvenienced. He advises, “When any evil befalls you, make use of any remedies that are in your power and that are in agreement with God’s will. To act otherwise would be to tempt his Divine Majesty.” After taking action, one should patiently await God’s will. He warns against complaining, as it usually leads to sin due to self-love, and advises expressing necessary complaints to those who truly love God. He uses the analogy of a woman in labor who forgets her anguish after giving birth, relating this to how we must birth Jesus in our souls. He concludes with the advice to frequently contemplate Jesus crucified and consider the sufferings of the martyrs, reminding us that our sufferings are minimal in comparison.
Chapter 4: On External Humility
St. Francis discusses the vanity of self-admiration for things like owning fine horses or suits, where the glory belongs to the horse, tailor, or ultimately to God. He warns against being focused on titles and honours, accepting only those rightly offered. He cautions against becoming a pedant through learning and urges maintaining humility.
Chapter 5: On Interior Humility
St. Francis de Sales advises acknowledging the many blessings God has granted us not to puff ourselves up but to see how we receive His gifts despite our sins. He quotes, “My soul magnifies the Lord, for he who is mighty has done great things for me” (Luke 1:46, 49). True humility does not make a show of being humble. It is foolish to desire knowledge we do not have or pretend ignorance of what we do know. Humility should lead us to share knowledge for others’ instruction and consolation when charity requires it. He advises against false humility and stresses that the humble man gains confidence from recognising his inability and placing his trust in God.
Chapter 6: That Humility Makes Us Love Our Own Abjection
St. Francis explains that the best abjections are those that befall us by accident or through our vocation and life condition, as these come from God’s hand. He emphasises accepting these humbly rather than seeking them out.
Chapter 7: How to Retain Our Good Name While Also Practicing Humility
Charity requires and humility consents to preserving our good reputation but warns against being overly concerned with it. Excessive concern can lead to fussiness, quarrelsomeness, and provoking malice from detractors. He advises that detraction only harms those who allow themselves to be hurt by it.
Chapter 8: On Meekness Toward Our Neighbours and Remedies Against Anger
St. Francis warns of pride posing as humility and meekness. He advises against quarrelling or becoming angry, highlighting the danger of anger growing into hatred. If anger slips in, it must be driven away immediately without negotiation, as it will become the master if allowed in. Anger should be removed without haste to avoid disturbing the heart further.
Chapter 9: On Meekness Towards Ourselves
St. Francis cautions against fretting too much about our own inadequacies, as self-love can lead to pride and vexation. The main issue is judging one’s conscience by passion rather than reason. He advises a balanced view of our faults, acknowledging them without excessive self-criticism.
Chapter 10: That We Must Deal with the Affairs of Life Diligently but Without Eagerness or Anxiety
St. Francis advises, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things.” He advocates for “Festina lente” – make haste slowly. He urges reliance on God’s providence, striving to cooperate with it quietly. He likens it to a child holding one hand to the father while gathering berries with the other, ensuring never to let go of the father’s hand. “In the midst of ordinary affairs, look more to God than to your affairs.”
Chapter 11: On Obedience
Charity places us in a state of perfection, with obedience, chastity, and poverty as principal means for acquiring it. Obedience consecrates our will, chastity our body, and poverty our material means to God’s service. He explains necessary obedience to prelates and civil authorities, and voluntary obedience to obligations we impose on ourselves.
Chapter 12: On Chastity
St. Francis calls chastity the “lily of the virtues,” making men almost equal to angels. It is called “honesty” and “integrity,” while its opposite is corruption. Chastity requires avoiding any forbidden pleasure outside of marriage and refraining from superfluous pleasures even within marriage. The heart should not be set on pleasures, as they distract from virtue.
Chapter 13: How to Maintain Purity
St. Francis urges vigilance against even the smallest temptations toward impurity, as these can grow into larger issues. He advises turning away from impure thoughts or actions immediately. “Purity originates in the heart but manifests in the body, and can be compromised by external actions and internal thoughts alike.” He recommends avoiding the company of those who lack purity and staying close to virtuous people, holy readings, and Jesus Christ through meditation and Holy Communion.
Chapter 14: On Poverty of Spirit Observed in the Midst of Riches
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). St. Francis explains that being rich in spirit means having one’s heart attached to riches. He advises keeping the heart free from attachment to material goods, even if one possesses wealth. Using the analogy of the halcyon bird’s nest, he illustrates how one’s heart should float above riches, remaining unattached. He warns against avarice and seeking contentment and detachment.
Chapter 15: How to Practice True Poverty Even When You Are Rich
St. Francis advises making possessions profitable and fruitful for God’s service, like gardeners who care more for a king’s garden than their own. He suggests giving alms, serving the poor, and being even-minded when misfortune strikes. “Grow your temporal goods where you can but avoid confusing love of God for self-love, which leads to covetousness.” He encourages impoverishing oneself to some degree by serving the poor.
Chapter 16: How to Be Spiritually Rich of Spirit amid Real Poverty
St. Francis discusses the advantages of real poverty, as it aligns with God’s will and is not chosen but received. He warns against complaining about poverty, as it shows discontent. “Do not complain therefore about your poverty, for we never complain except about what displeases us. And if poverty displeases us, then we are no longer poor in spirit, but rich in desire.”
Chapter 17: On Friendship – First and Foremost, Evil and Frivolous Ones
St. Francis de Sales warns against friendships that are evil or frivolous, as they can lead individuals away from their devotion and moral obligations. He emphasises the significant influence of friendships on one’s character and spiritual life, noting that such relationships can corrupt values and lead to a deterioration of faith and virtue. Instead, friendships should be grounded in mutual respect, virtue, and a shared goal of spiritual growth.
Chapter 18: On Flirtations
St. Francis discusses the dangers of flirtations, which he sees as a source of spiritual peril and moral distraction. He mentions that flirtations often involve insincere and frivolous interactions driven by vanity and self-gratification. To avoid these pitfalls, he advises maintaining modesty and sincerity in interactions and focusing on building honest, respectful relationships aimed at mutual spiritual growth.
Chapter 19: True Friendships
St. Francis highlights the importance of cultivating good and holy friendships that are rooted in charity and mutual support. These friendships are a blessing, providing spiritual encouragement and accountability. He encourages seeking companions who share a commitment to God and can offer wise counsel and a good example. Such relationships enrich personal devotion and contribute to the strength and unity of the faith community.
Chapter 20: On the Difference Between True and Empty Friendships
St. Francis distinguishes true friendships, which are based on virtue and mutual respect, from empty friendships, which are based on superficial attractions and self-interest. True friendships enrich the soul and support spiritual growth, while empty friendships lead to moral compromise and spiritual distraction. He advises seeking friendships that contribute positively to one’s spiritual life and well-being.
Chapter 21: Advice and Remedies Against Evil Friendships
St. Francis emphasises the importance of decisively turning away from evil friendships. He advises seeking refuge in Christ and firmly rejecting harmful influences. If one is already entangled in an unhealthy attachment, acknowledging one’s weakness before God and making a firm resolution to break free is crucial. Frequent confession, communion, and reading of pious books strengthen one’s resolve and help overcome inclinations toward evil friendships.
Chapter 22: Other Advice Regarding Friendships
Friends should not allow their friends to sin. We should take the good from our friends and leave the imperfections. This advice encourages discerning and nurturing positive aspects of friendships while being mindful of their potential negative influences.
Chapter 23: On Practices of External Mortification
St. Francis discusses the practice of bodily mortification, emphasising that true spiritual reform must begin from within. By inscribing the name of Jesus in one’s heart, actions will naturally reflect this inner transformation. He advises moderate fasting and abstinence to control the body’s appetites and promote spiritual growth, cautioning against excessive physical austerities. “Internal purity and devotion are more valuable than rigorous external practices.”
Part 4 – Necessary Counsels Against the Temptations Most Frequently Encountered
Chapter 1: We Must Not Trifle with the Words of Worldly Wisdom
St. Francis de Sales warns against being misled by the advice and opinions of the world, which often conflict with true spiritual wisdom. He highlights the importance of discerning between worldly prudence and genuine Christian conduct, as the former can lead one astray from the path of devout living. “If anyone strives to be delivered from his troubles out of love of God, he will strive patiently, gently, humbly, and calmly.”
Chapter 2: The Need of Good Courage
This chapter stresses the necessity of courage in the spiritual life. St. Francis de Sales encourages the reader to be steadfast and bold in the face of difficulties and temptations, relying on God’s grace and strength. “God will not forsake us unless we first forsake Him.”
Chapter 3: Temptations and the Difference Between Experiencing Them and Consenting to Them
St. Francis explains that experiencing temptation is not sinful; rather, sin arises when one consents to the temptation. He differentiates between the mere presence of temptation and actively choosing to indulge in it. “Temptation is in itself a suffering.”
Chapter 4: Two Striking Illustrations of the Same
The chapter uses the examples of Saint Jerome and Saint Catherine of Siena to illustrate the struggle against temptation and the importance of interior resistance. Despite severe temptations, both saints demonstrated that their wills remained aligned with God’s. “The soul which loves God is sometimes in sore straits to know whether He abideth in it or no.”
Chapter 5: Encouragement for the Tempted Soul
St. Francis provides words of encouragement for those who are undergoing temptations. He assures that with God’s help, they can overcome these trials and grow stronger in their spiritual life. “God is always faithful to His promises.”
Chapter 6: When Temptation and Pleasure are Sin
This chapter delves into the nuances of sin, explaining that not all pleasure associated with temptation is sinful. It becomes a sin when the wilfully indulged pleasure goes against God’s commandments. “Sin lies in the consent of the will.”
Chapter 7: Remedies for Great Occasions
St. Francis offers practical remedies for resisting significant temptations, emphasising prayer, vigilance, and reliance on God’s grace. “God’s grace is sufficient for us.”
Chapter 8: How to Resist Minor Temptations
In this chapter, strategies are provided for dealing with smaller, everyday temptations. These include quick prayers, turning one’s thoughts to God, and maintaining a habit of virtue. “Resist the beginnings.”
Chapter 9: How to Remedy Minor Temptations
St. Francis discusses how to correct oneself after falling into minor temptations, highlighting the importance of immediate repentance and returning to God’s grace. “A prompt repentance is the best remedy.”
Chapter 10: How to Strengthen the Heart Against Temptation
This chapter focuses on building inner strength to combat temptation. Regular prayer, meditation, and the sacraments are essential practices to fortify the heart. “A strong heart is not easily overcome.”
Chapter 11: Anxiety of Mind
St. Francis advises against excessive worry and anxiety, which can paralyse the soul. Trust in God’s providence and maintain peace of mind through prayer and detachment from worldly concerns. “Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall the soul, except for sin itself. For just as rebellious and internal commotions in any commonwealth lay it waste and prevent it from being able to resist a foreign invasion, so too our heart, becoming disturbed and anxious within, loses the strength to maintain the virtues it had acquired and the means to resist the temptations of the Enemy, who then uses his utmost efforts to fish, as they say, in troubled waters.”
Chapter 12: Sadness and Sorrow
The chapter distinguishes between godly sorrow, which leads to repentance and growth, and worldly sorrow, which can lead to despair and loss of faith. “Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation.”
Chapter 13: Spiritual and Sensible Consolations and How to Receive Them
St. Francis talks about the different kinds of consolations and how to properly receive them without becoming overly attached or seeking them selfishly. He insists on maintaining an even heart fixated on the charity of Jesus Christ amidst life’s ebb and flow. “Seek not the consolations of God but the God of consolations.”
Chapter 14: Dryness and Spiritual Barrenness
This chapter addresses periods of spiritual dryness, encouraging perseverance in faith and continued devotion despite a lack of spiritual consolation. “God sometimes withdraws His consolations to purify our love.”
Chapter 15: An Illustration
St. Francis uses a metaphor to illustrate the spiritual journey, comparing the soul to a tree that must be pruned and cared for to bear good fruit. “The vine must be pruned to bear more fruit.”
Chapter 16: On the Practice of Bodily Mortification
St. Francis encourages moderate and sensible bodily mortification as a means to discipline the body and strengthen the soul, always under the guidance of a spiritual director. “Mortify your body, but do not kill it.”
Chapter 17: Of Society and Solitude
This chapter discusses the balance between social interaction and solitude, recommending a life that includes both to nurture the soul and maintain spiritual health. “Both solitude and society have their place in a devout life.”
Chapter 18: On Modesty in Dress
St. Francis advises on modesty in dress, emphasising that our attire should reflect our inner piety and not be a source of vanity or distraction to others. “Let your dress be simple and modest.”
