<p>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 <em>An Introduction to the Devout Life</em> by St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church. It is at once easy to read being laid out in short chapters yet thorough authoritative reliable kind and gentle - a mirror of its author. It is a book 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.</p><p>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.</p><p><em>An Introduction to the Devout Life</em> is a book to be read again and again. It is a book 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.</p>