Book Description

"I do not pretend to elevate my sentiments above those of others, but I relate simply what has been my own experience as well as that of others, and the advantage which I have found in this simple and natural manner of going to God. If this book treats of nothing else but the short and easy method of prayer, it is because, being written only for that, it cannot speak of other things. It is certain that, if it be read in the spirit in which it has been written, there will be found nothing in it to shock the mind. Those who will make the experience of it will be the most certain of the truth which it contains." -Jeanne Guyon (1648-1717) "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."--Romans 8:28 This book is a spiritual autobiography in which Jeanne Guyon likens her life to a torrent making its way out of the high mountains down into the canyons and chasms of life, passing through many experiences until finally coming to the spiritual experience of death. From there the torrent experiences resurrection and a life lived in concert with the will of God while still going through many stages of refinement. At last the torrent finds its way into the vast, unlimited sea. Even here the torrent does not totally come to be one with the vast ocean until it has once more passed through final dealings by the Lord. The reader will find this book to be the saga of one believer's journey with Christ. It does not serve as a pattern for any other life, but simply allows the reader to see how Guyon viewed the Lord's work in her life. Nevertheless, this is one of the greatest books ever written on the subject of the cross as it works in the life of the believer. "Madam Guyon was one of the most remarkable and one of the most devoted women that ever lived. She passed through a living martyrdom more difficult to bear with patience than the shorter and sharper method of the stake. The imprisoned lady has left a memorial of endurance to the glory of God, which has comforted and encouraged a multitude of sufferers since she entered her rest. Madam Guyon lived in a night of darkness as compared with the Gospel light which we enjoy; but she made far better use of her starlight than many of us of our noonday. Her writings, however, are very introspective; they may be said to be written from the text, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," but almost entirely without reference to 'Looking off unto Jesus.' They are subjective, and not objective; and, if read without the antidote of the other side of truth, would certainly lead to a discouraging and damaging introspection. The volume before us is exceedingly well translated, and its original thoughts and experimental counsels will be of value to those who are established in grace. The book is very tastily produced." -The Christian, A Weekly Record of Christian Life, Christian Testimony, and Christian Work, 1875