Manual of Christian Perfection

An enduring classic. A manual for Christian Perfection is "especially designed for the instruction of novices who sincerely desire to enter a religious community. It may be read with much fruit by all those who wish to lead exemplary lives."

The author, Giovanni Battista Scaramelli (1687 - 1752) was an Italian Jesuit, ethicist, and ascetical writer. He was born at Rome and entered the Society of Jesus in 1706. For fifteen years he devoted himself to preaching and the ministry writing a number of famous works.

The following topics are covered in this work, in addition to many others:

Part I

Article I: In What Perfection Consists

Article II: The First Means Of Perfection Is To Desire It

Article III: The Second Means Of Perfection Consists In Being Under The Guidance Of A Good Director

Article Iv: Third Means Of Perfection: Spiritual Reading

Article V: Fourth Means Of Perfection: Meditation

Article VI: Fifth Means Of Perfection - Prayer As A Means Of Perfection

Article VII: Sixth Means Of Perfection - Contemplation

Article VIII: Seventh Means Of Perfection - The Presence Of God

Article IX: Eighth Means Of Perfection - Frequent Confession

Article X: Ninth Means Of Perfection - Daily Examination Of Conscience

Article XI: Tenth Means Of Perfection - The Holy Eucharist

Article XII: Devotion To The Blessed Virgin And The Saints Eleventh Means Of Perfection

Part II

Article I: The Five Senses As Obstacles To Perfection

Article II: The Passions Of The Soul As Obstacles To Perfection

Article III: The Love Of Riches An Obstacle To Perfection

Article IV: Presumption, Ambition And Vainglory As Obstacles To Perfection

Article V: Obstacles To Perfection Through The Love Of Parents And Friends

Article VI: Temptations Of The Devil As, Obstacles To Perfection

Article VII: Scruples As Obstacles To Perfection

Part III

Article I: On Moral Virtues - Introduction

Article II: Humility

Article III: Patience

Article IV: Meekness

Article V: The Virtue Of Religion

Article VI: Devotion

Article VII: The Virtue Of Obedience

Appendix: Other Moral Virtues Depending On Justice

Article VIII: Chastity

Article IX: Voluntary Poverty The Spirit Of Poverty The Vow Of Poverty