> [[at-sl-03|← Introduction]] | [[at-spiritual-life-toc|TOC]] | [[at-sl-05|Ch. I →]] # First Part. Principles PURPOSE AND DIVISION OF THE FIRST PART. 49\. The aim of this first part is to call briefly to mind the principal dogmas upon which our spiritual life rests, to show the nature and perfection of this life, and the general means by which perfection is reached. Here we follow the ontological order, assigning to the second part the task of describing the psychological order normally followed by souls in the use they make of the various means of perfection. ![[at-sl-img-03.jpeg]] 50\. The reason for such a division is easily perceived. The first chapter, by taking us back to the source itself of the supernatural life, helps us to a better grasp of its nature and its excellence. The second chapter reveals the nature of the Christian life in regenerated man; the part God takes therein by giving Himself to us through His Son; and by assisting us through the agency of the Blessed Virgin and the Saints. It likewise explains the role man plays in himself to God by a constant and generous coöperation with grace. The third chapter shows that perfection in this life essentially consists in the love of God and of the neighbor for God’s sake. It shows further, however, that this love here on earth cannot be exercised without generous sacrifices. In the fourth, the obligation of tending to perfection is determined and the extent to which the faithful, religious, and priests are respectively bound. A fifth chapter is devoted to specifying the general means that help us to advance in perfection, means common indeed to all, yet susceptible of degrees. These degrees will be treated in the second part when speaking of the three ways. --- ![[maps/bibliography#^biblio-tan]] > [[at-sl-03|← Introduction]] | [[at-spiritual-life-toc|TOC]] | [[at-sl-05|Ch. I →]]