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