AI commentary:

“Of the Love of God,” also known as Treatise on the Love of God or Theotimus, is a spiritual classic written by Saint Francis de Sales, a French Roman Catholic bishop and Doctor of the Church, originally published in 1616.

The work is a detailed manual intended for those already advanced in their spiritual journey and under the guidance of a spiritual director. It is structured into twelve books, systematically exploring the nature, progress, perfection, and potential decay of divine love.

The treatise begins by examining the human soul and the central role of the will in governing its faculties, emphasizing that love governs all affections and passions, even the will itself. It then delves into the origin of divine love, explaining God’s manifold perfection, providence, and the abundant redemption provided for humanity, highlighting God’s profound desire for human love. The work details how divine love grows through faith, hope, and penitence, and how it is perfected through acts of complacency (rejoicing in God) and benevolence (desiring God’s glory).

The final books address the dangers of losing divine charity, the importance of perseverance, and the practical application of love in daily life, including the virtues of the soul. Saint Francis de Sales, born in 1567, is celebrated for his gentle spiritual wisdom, and his works, including this treatise, were recognized by Pope Pius IX, who declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1877. The book remains a foundational text in Christian spirituality, offering profound insights into the nature of divine love and the path to eternal union with God.