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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Beautiful and short.
It may take you a few pages to be reacquainted with this type of language, but it will be worth the effort. One of those books I could go back to and be blessed all over again.
“The true way to improve and ennoble our souls is, by fixing our love on the divine perfections, that we may have them always before us, and derive an impression of them on ourselves; and, beholding with open face, as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, we may be changed into the same image, from glory to glory.”
“The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love. He who loveth mean and sordid things doth thereby become base and vile, but a noble and well-placed affection doth advance and improve the spirit into a conformity with the perfections which it loves.”
"Let us often withdraw our thoughts from this earth, this scene of misery, and folly, and sin, and raise them towards that more vast and glorious world, whose innocent and blessed inhabitants solace themselves eternally in the divine presence, and know no other passions, but an unmixed joy and an unbounded love."
It may take you a few pages to be reacquainted with this type of language, but it will be worth the effort. One of those books I could go back to and be blessed all over again.
“The true way to improve and ennoble our souls is, by fixing our love on the divine perfections, that we may have them always before us, and derive an impression of them on ourselves; and, beholding with open face, as in a glass, the glory of the Lord, we may be changed into the same image, from glory to glory.”
“The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love. He who loveth mean and sordid things doth thereby become base and vile, but a noble and well-placed affection doth advance and improve the spirit into a conformity with the perfections which it loves.”
"Let us often withdraw our thoughts from this earth, this scene of misery, and folly, and sin, and raise them towards that more vast and glorious world, whose innocent and blessed inhabitants solace themselves eternally in the divine presence, and know no other passions, but an unmixed joy and an unbounded love."
1/5, here are my reasons:
Language
The book was written in the 1600s, in English, so archaic diction and grammar should not surprise anyone. That it's even readable to me I consider a cultural miracle in the preservation of meaning in language, but that does not mean it's enjoyable to read. Many sentences linger on into the abyss, like the title of some Jonathan Edwards treatise fed too much fertilizer. If you don't mind thinking outside of modern English then language will not be a problem for you.
Platonism
The frail professor of theology takes no pleasure in bodily existence, and this, like the old-ness of the language used, should not come as a surprise. This was written before the advent of modern medicine and life was much different than today. He died at 27 of TB, and must have seen death and glory after death much more imminently than I do. Nevertheless, this is no excuse for denying the goodness of the world as to call it refuse. Indeed, if one does not see any hope in the world I don't know how they can claim to see greater hope elsewhere. At times his language perfectly mirrors that of Plato's cave, God being The Form To Which We Ascend For Bliss.
Method(ism)
The concept of making as ascent to God via the means that we in our free will are given is a fine thing, but to treat the matter in terms of steps, execution, and inevitable result is dishonest to the complex nature of human experience. According to the accompanying history, Charles Wesley gave this to Whitefield and it was a huge inspiration to him, and it rings very true to typical Great Awakening formulations of Atmosphere unto Experience unto Salvation. Scougal does for the Christian life what The Great Awakening did for conversion in a similar, highly rational mode.
Language
The book was written in the 1600s, in English, so archaic diction and grammar should not surprise anyone. That it's even readable to me I consider a cultural miracle in the preservation of meaning in language, but that does not mean it's enjoyable to read. Many sentences linger on into the abyss, like the title of some Jonathan Edwards treatise fed too much fertilizer. If you don't mind thinking outside of modern English then language will not be a problem for you.
Platonism
The frail professor of theology takes no pleasure in bodily existence, and this, like the old-ness of the language used, should not come as a surprise. This was written before the advent of modern medicine and life was much different than today. He died at 27 of TB, and must have seen death and glory after death much more imminently than I do. Nevertheless, this is no excuse for denying the goodness of the world as to call it refuse. Indeed, if one does not see any hope in the world I don't know how they can claim to see greater hope elsewhere. At times his language perfectly mirrors that of Plato's cave, God being The Form To Which We Ascend For Bliss.
Method(ism)
The concept of making as ascent to God via the means that we in our free will are given is a fine thing, but to treat the matter in terms of steps, execution, and inevitable result is dishonest to the complex nature of human experience. According to the accompanying history, Charles Wesley gave this to Whitefield and it was a huge inspiration to him, and it rings very true to typical Great Awakening formulations of Atmosphere unto Experience unto Salvation. Scougal does for the Christian life what The Great Awakening did for conversion in a similar, highly rational mode.
This book comes from a collection of letters the author wrote in counseling another man. There are many precious gems of truth in it. The book reveals a spiritual insight and discernment that is very rare in our sound bite age. It seems few can discern the true work of God in man's soul and counsel soundly concerning the spiritual struggle of life. I recommend a careful reading of this small book.
Some of the greatest literary works in the history of the church have been from unexpectated places: Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions & Advice For Young Converts were birthed out of private devotion and pastoral practice, Samuel Rutherford's letters are a peek into the pastoral vision of one of the creators of the Westminster Confession, and David Brainerd's personal diary has affected generations of missionaries for the last few hundred years. The reason for this is simple: the Christian life is not done primarily in the vacuum of academia, but in the rugged terrain of human experience.
Henry Scougal's "The Life of God in the Soul of Man" is similar to the above mentioned works. Originally written to a friend, Scougal encourages as to the nature of true delight, the primacy of prayer, and serves up ample commentary on the drama of Christ. This book is a gem, and apparently the primary influence for John Piper's "The Pleasures of God". Recommended for devotional or Sabbath reading.
(Also, this was the first book I read on my Kindle.)
Henry Scougal's "The Life of God in the Soul of Man" is similar to the above mentioned works. Originally written to a friend, Scougal encourages as to the nature of true delight, the primacy of prayer, and serves up ample commentary on the drama of Christ. This book is a gem, and apparently the primary influence for John Piper's "The Pleasures of God". Recommended for devotional or Sabbath reading.
(Also, this was the first book I read on my Kindle.)
A book that has impacted men and women of faith through the centuries. Somewhat laborious at times to read, but lays down the foundational challenge of living for Christ with all that you have, the participation of the divine nature: True Religion.
Short, practical exposition on the Christian life. Well worth the read to any who desire a closer walk with God. A couple of times, I thought he confused salvation and sanctification, and once I thought maybe he veered into "God helps those who help themselves," but I'm not so sure it wasn't just the language of the day that confused me. Highly recommend this to anyone.
4.8 Stars
Pure gold! Scougal uses elegant language to remind his readers (originally a letter to an individual) of the nature of true religion. True religion is when the life of God resides in the soul of man, when God is seen as the man's highest joy and pleasure. And this shows itself in renewed affections and actions - works that are spurred on by the perfect character and works of Jesus. This is perfect short letter to serve as a reminder to any Christian of the great nature of the Christian life. We are called to full enjoyment of God and to do good works as a response to the great goodness and faithfulness of our Savior Jesus Christ!
Pure gold! Scougal uses elegant language to remind his readers (originally a letter to an individual) of the nature of true religion. True religion is when the life of God resides in the soul of man, when God is seen as the man's highest joy and pleasure. And this shows itself in renewed affections and actions - works that are spurred on by the perfect character and works of Jesus. This is perfect short letter to serve as a reminder to any Christian of the great nature of the Christian life. We are called to full enjoyment of God and to do good works as a response to the great goodness and faithfulness of our Savior Jesus Christ!
