Spiritual Torrents

by Jeanne Guyon

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. Neverthless, this is one of the greatest books ever written on the subject of the cross as it works in the life of the believer.

Paperback

First published April 16, 2013

About the author

Jeanne Marie Bouvières de la Mothe Guyon (commonly known as Madame Guyon) was the leader of the Quietist movement in France. The foundation of her Quietism was laid in her study of St. Francis de Sales, Madame de Chantal, and Thomas a Kempis. At age 16, she married Jacques Guyon, a wealthy man of weak health, 22 years her senior. Until his death in 1676, her life was an unhappy one, partly due to the difference in their ages, and partly due to a tyrannical mother-in-law. Her public career as an evangelist of Quietism began soon after her widowhood.

Her first labors were spent in the diocese of Geneva, at Anecy, Gex, and Thonon, and in Grenoble. In 1686 she went to Paris, where she was at first imprisoned for her opinions, in the Convent of St. Marie in the Faubourg St. Antoine; she was released after eight months at the insistence of Madame de Maintenon. She then rose to the zenith of her fame. Her life at all times greatly fascinated those around her; the court, Madame de Maintenon, and Madame de Maintenon’s College of Ladies at Cyr, came under the spell of her enthusiasm. But the affinity of her doctrines with those of Michael Molinos, who was condemned in 1685, soon worked against her.

Her opinions were condemned by a commission, of which Bossuet was president. She then incurred Bossuet’s displeasure by breaking the promises she had made to him to maintain a quiet attitude and not return to Paris. She was imprisoned at Vincennes in December 1695, and the next year moved to Vaugirard, under a promise to avoid all receptions and correspondence, except by special permission. In 1698, she was imprisoned in the Bastille for four years. She spent the remainder of her life in retirement with her daughter, the Marquise de Bois, at Blois. She had numerous visitors of all ranks, some from foreign countries, and had a considerable correspondence. Her works fill some 40 volumes. (less)

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the most difficult reads I have worked through, yet rich, humbling. Jeanne painted an intimate picture of a believer and follower of Jesus.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER "SPIRITUAL BOOK" FROM MADAME GUYON

Jeanne-Marie Bouvier de la Motte-Guyon (commonly known as Madame Guyon; 1648-1717) was a French mystic and one of the key advocates of Quietism (which was considered heretical by the Catholic Church). She was imprisoned from 1695 to 1703 after publishing 'The Song of Songs: Commentary' and Experiencing the Depths of Jesus Christ.' she wrote an autobiography while in prison. She then went to live with her son, and spent her remaining years writing poetry and avoiding controversy. Ironically, though she never had any intention of separating herself from the Catholic Church, her warmest admirers today are found among Protestants.

Early in the book, she observes, "I have often wondered why there is such an outcry against spiritual books and such opposition to Christians who write and speak on an internal walk in the Lord. It is my judgement that such a writer or speaker can do no harm. The only person who will be harmed is someone who is self-seeking in the first place... By such reading, a believer gains insight into things that need to be conquered, things that need to be destroyed. In reading these books the Christian begins to realize he does not have enough strength for such undertakings, and therefore he will begin to turn to the indwelling Christ..." (Pg. 8)

She suggests that God "flees, He hides, that he might draw the believer after Him. He lets him fall (apparently that He and He alone might have the privilege of lifting him up). He is seeking to show that He, ALONE, is the incontestable strength of the Christian." (Pg. 34) She advises, "Your spirit should be so entwined with God's Spirit that you will not experience Him as someone separate and distinct, but only as someone who is deeply joined with you. He can become more active within you than you are yourself." (Pg. 85)

She counsels, "What place does prayer hold in the life of the pilgrim at this point? If there is any enjoyment in any kind of prayer, continue it. But if there is none, then be willing to lay prayer down. Do not lay down anything that has been helpful to you spiritually. Do so only when it becomes totally distasteful, difficult, and unproductive." She adds, "how blessed is the believer who can find someone along the way who will help him understand these things and show him that 'spiritual' includes the dry, the desolate, and even the sense of being forsaken." (Pg. 92)

Guyon is perhaps experiencing a resurgence these days, and this book is worthy of being counted among her "major" works.

[Bill Stonebraker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor formatting, Hard to Follow

All text was centered, and page numbers were in the manuscript, in a disruptive way. I thought the formatting was poor.
Although the fault is probably mine, I found the logic of the text hard to follow.

[Emre · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just don’t want to believe that the way in which God brings us to himself has to be this painful, I mean the last third of the book talks so graphically and detailedly about how much our spirit must decay and be destroyed that it was painful for me to finish it.

[Patrick F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable

I don't understand why this book is not read by more Christians It will help you to navigate Things that GOD will take you to To create anew

[Jessica Petree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fascinating, though the forward basically said not to read it. I think it is important to remember when reading it that God works differently in the life of each believer, and not to try to judge oneself too much about where on the journey one is with God. He performs all things in His time. Nevertheless, it was a great read, and I recommend it.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resonating, though confusing, at times

[Josh]

Intriguing spiritual classic.