Reprinted 1978. First published 1938, 7th printing 1949

7th printing 1949

Reading this text in the 3rd printing (July, 1940), with the senses engaged in the thick pages, the plain font and the faint trace of a library smell, enhanced the experience of the longer sentences, the quiet pace, the reflective approach and the gentle civility of this "Quaker ecumenist" as Wikipedia describes him. 68 pages, each one worth reading. ( )

This book remains a good, simple introduction to the basics of the Spiritual Life. I particularly value the way examples and suggested reading include many different traditions: George Fox, Nicolas of Cusa, Blaise Pascal, Francis de Sales, ... The inclusion of such a variety makes it easier to find the guide you need to read now.

It is, of course somewhat dated, but the language is less obtrusive than you would think, and the greatest problem is that the reading list in my copy (1952) includes a number of books from the 1920s - 40s that have not shown the same staying power as the names listed above, and misses those of more recent decades that will. Even a beginner in the spiritual life would find value in reading this, and it is a good reminder for all of us who need a new impetus to move on. And all of this in less than 70 pages!

This book is one of the ones my father had cherished for decades and passed on to me when he no longer had the space to keep his whole library. I remember him picking out the best of the books he could bear to part with to give to me. Thank you, Dad. ( )

Ex libris Allen Hole, Westtown PA, Dorothy Brosius