This critical appreciation of Thomas Kelly (1893-1941) and his classic A Testament of Devotion (1941) examines the Quaker mystic’s life and devotional writings, often by comparison with Augustine, whose Confessions was a touchstone for him.

The only English translation of the French critical edition, this volume includes a general introduction, bibliography, and testimonies about Brother Lawrence by those who knew him. With 5 photos and illustrations. More Information The third centenary of the death of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection inspired the Belgian Discalced Carmelite Conrad De Meester to present this new critical edition of Brother Lawrence's classic on the Practice of the Presence of God, including all of his letters, maxims, and conversations. This book also contains a detailed general introduction to the life and works of Brother Lawrence, as well as the testimonies of his biographer.

The Spirit of Freedom offers accessible, useful, and life-affirming theology rooted in Quaker spirituality and Biblical wisdom. Collecting together short and inspiring essays on speaking of God, worshiping God, and being God's witnesses in the world, this book offers a spacious and relevant Quaker theology from a Christian perspective. It is an excellent companion piece to Mark Russ's first book, Quaker Shaped Christianity.

Since its first publication in 1941, A Testament of Devotion, by the renowned Quaker teacher Thomas Kelly, has been universally embraced as a truly enduring spiritual classic. Plainspoken and deeply inspirational, it gathers together five compelling essays that urge us to center our lives on God's presence, to find quiet and stillness within modern life, and to discover the deeply satisfying and lasting peace of the inner spiritual journey. As relevant today as it was a half-century ago, A Testament of Devotion is the ideal companion to that highest of all human arts-the lifelong conversation between God and his creatures. I have in mind something deeper than the simplification of our external programs, our absurdly crowded calendars of appointments through which so many pantingly and frantically gasp. These do become simplified in holy obedience, and the poise and peace we have been missing can really be found. But there is a deeper, an internal simplification of the whole of one's personality, stilled, tranquil, in childlike trust listening ever to Eternity's whisper, walking with a smile into the dark."

In this important book of Quaker spirituality, Jim Newby writes about his spiritual journey and the ways he has sought to navigate an increasingly complex world and understand his purpose in it. A lifelong Quaker, Newby seeks to discern the primary ways in which he has grown spiritually, which are divided into the following parts: turning inward, community and relationship, pain and growth, path of a seeker, and affirmations. Each chapter within these parts concludes with queries to encourage readers to reflect upon their own spiritual journeys. Readers may find what Newby writes humorous, or his writing may provoke tears, questions, and challenges to one's beliefs. Humor and tears, questions and spiritual challenges, are all of God, for to grow in Spirit encompasses all the feelings and emotions through which we pass in this life. In the words of Newby's late friend and author, Malcolm Muggeridge, "Every happening great and small is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message." These reflections are Newby's attempt to get the message.

Although each generation searches for effective ways to be salt and light, Elaine Heath argues that the church is currently in an especially difficult place--a dark night of the soul. She calls the church to embrace, rather than ignore, its difficulties and find different ways of doing outreach. Heath brings a fresh perspective to the theory and practice of evangelism by approaching it through contemplative spirituality. By looking to mystics, saints, and martyrs of church history--such as Ignatius of Loyola, Julian of Norwich, St. Francis, John Wesley, Mother Theresa, and Henri Nouwen--she suggests we can discover ways of thinking about God that result in a life of outreach.

J.C. Wenger (1910-1995) was a teacher of Historical Theology in the Goshen Biblical Seminary, a seminary, a member school of the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, Elkhart, Indiana. Born on December 25, 1910, at Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, he is a son of the Lancaster Conference, but he removed with his parents to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, as a boy, and was later baptized in the Rockhill congregation of the Franconia Conference. He studied at Eastern Mennonite and Goshen colleges, and holds degrees from both American and European universities. He was ordained successively as a deacon (1943), a minister (1944), and a bishop (1951) in the Mennonite Church, and served on the executive committees of both the district and general conferences, as well as on the Presidium of the Mennonite World Conference. He was also a member of the executive committee of the Mennonite Historical Society and of the Institute of Mennonite Studies. He taught at Union Biblical Seminary in Indian and at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Virginia. He also served on the editorial boards of the Mennonite Quarterly Review and of the book series Studies in Anabaptist and Mennonite History, as well as The Mennonite Encyclopedia. He was a member of the Committee on Bible Translation, which prepared the new International version of the Bible. He was deeply concerned to seen his church seek renewal and greater faithfulness to Christ and His Word. Book jacket.