2016/03/31

A Guide to True Peace: A Method of Attaining to Inward and Spiritual Prayer eBook: Jeanne Guyon, Francois Fenelon, Miguel Molinos

A Guide to True Peace: A Method of Attaining to Inward and Spiritual Prayer eBook: Jeanne Guyon, Francois Fenelon, Miguel Molinos: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

Product Description
The writers were considered dangerous—heretics even. They were imprisoned—banished—exiled. Their crime? They were teaching that Christians could experience inner communion with God through something they called “inward prayer.” Later their writings would be read and recommended by such spiritual giants as John Wesley, Hudson Taylor and Watchman Nee. 

A Guide to True Peace captures the essence of their teachings and makes them accessible in a small, readable volume. 

It was first published almost two hundred years ago, at the dawn of the Industrial Age, as a guide for believers seeking to know what it means to abide in Christ and live with an active knowledge of the presence of God. Many have considered it a devotional classic, including A. W. Tozer, who added it to his recommended reading list.

The book begins by emphasizing the truth that God dwells within all believers, and then goes on to talk about what it means to allow that divine Spirit to have His full sway in our lives through denial of self, submission, and obedience. It also considers the blessings of faith and inward prayer, and how the practical results of such a life will lead us into divine union with Almighty God. This union is the place of true peace.
In these days of uncertainty and turmoil, it is of great importance that the followers of Jesus Christ know what it means to have personal communion with Him. The principles in this little book, if meditated upon and applied, will be of great help to all who are wholeheartedly seeking more of God.

This first Kingsley Press edition is based on the W. Alexander edition (York, England) of 1815 and has been sensitively edited for the modern reader by Bruce Garrison.
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
HASH(0xb073363c) out of 5 stars Highly Edited, But Still Good 26 May 2012
By Jim F. Wilson Published on Amazon.com
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This appears to be the American printing of a British edition published by Searchlight a few years ago. First, the good news. Because this edition is based on the 1815 British edition it restores some passages which have been altered or left out in the 1946/1979 American editions which are the editions most widely known in the U.S. For example, in Chapter 17 the word 'God' is restored in the sentence "Now heaven represents the centre of the soul where, before the majesty of God appears, all must be hushed to silence." Later American editions had substituted 'Divine Majesty' for God. So in some ways this version offers aspects of this work which have been hidden by later editors and editions.

So why not give it a higher rating? Well, that's the bad news. Readers should be aware that the editing is extensive. There are changes in sentence structure, paragraphing, spelling, capitalization, and the source for Biblical references. In my opinion, none of this editing is necessary. Early 19th century English is modern English. More significantly, the chopping up of sentences into smaller fragments, and the paragraphs into smaller units, removes the lyrical, flowing, quality of the original. I think this is a loss, a loss of beauty. My view is that one of the reasons the 'Guide' was, and remains, widely read is that the flowing, river-like quality of its sentences was a demonstration of the nature of inward silence itself; meaning that the realm of inward silence is a dynamic presence. This connection is lost by the editing. I really wish the editors had simply reprinted the 1815 Edition so that we could all access this early example of the 'Guide'. In my heart of hearts I think that would have been the better choice.

On the other hand, all the teachings are there. And perhaps you will prefer this style. My suggestion is to read several editions, including this one, of the Guide. It is a short work, so reading several editions should not be a problem. This is my favorite Quaker work. I have it with me wherever I go. I hope you will enjoy it as well.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
HASH(0xb073399c) out of 5 stars Internal Peace is True Peace 6 July 2013
By ruth Published on Amazon.com
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We are all looking for True Peace and knowing Jesus is the way the truth and the Light is the internal peace we seek. This book is a small manual with huge spiritual results. Reading that teaches us to be quiet before the Lord in a world that is constantly noisy. It gives guidance from previous saints that have gone before us who learned True Peace by surrending their time, hearts, ways and thoughts unto God. If you desire to have True Peace this book and the bible hand in hand is better than Yoga or any other type of meditation.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
HASH(0xb073b060) out of 5 stars Authentic food for the soul 6 March 2014
By Meredith Published on Amazon.com
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I have read and re-read this book many times and will continue re-reading it. It is by
my bedside and speaks simply to anyone yearning to
hear less complicated and “preachy” ways to pray. It is my “go to” book for prayer.
I have given away several copies to receptive friends.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
HASH(0xb0733f0c) out of 5 stars Love her teachings. 20 February 2013
By Laurie Seifert Published on Amazon.com
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Please read this one. It is a great read.
It will change your life.
She has other books I buy here also.
HASH(0xb0733e1c) out of 5 stars Great book! 23 April 2013
By T Annette West Published on Amazon.com
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Francois Fenelon is one of our family favorites. He is in touch with our Lord and does a fantastic job of communicating his understanding to his readers. Love this book!