A Guide to True Peace

by François Fénelon

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.

Genres: Christian

Nook

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon, a Roman Catholic theologian and poet, wrote in France. He today is remembered mostly as one of the main advocates of quietism and as the author of The Adventures of Telemachus, a scabrous attack on the French monarchy, first published in 1699.

Reviews

[Quirkyreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this through twice in quick succession to get a good gist of this booklet.

I received great joy reading these words, especially when it drew in Bible verses that have given me succour over the years.

The edition I read was put out by Pendle Hill in 1979.

[William L Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly this is a most profound and insightful series of text.

These text continue to be as joyful a delight to my heart and soul as when I first read them 20 years ago! With a patient and sincere hunger the Truth seeker within anyone will embrace the poetic beauty of this work even though much of the language is archaic. If only all religious teachers understood these insights our world would have far less suffering and much more Godly Love.

[Robert Heckner · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting book worth a read and prompting more study of the thought of Fénelon. There are some beautiful and highly intrusive passages on prayer, inward silence, etc. But overall, I found the work to be too short, which contributed to a feeling of lacking coherence. It seemed at times to jump from one insufficiently explained idea to the next.
As I say, I think this is definitely worth a read as it is short and inexpensive, so it serves as a good starting point for thinking about and studying contemplative prayer, inward silence, and the theology of Fénelon; but feels like extracts from a larger work that are sometimes only loosely connected.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Great great book. Simple truths kept simple and yet presented in a profoundly applicable way. My life would benefit greatly from a daily dose of the powerful medicine contained here.

[Jon Clendenin]

A must read for all Christians

If you are ready to go deeper in your Christian walk, this small book is a must read. If you are on the mystic path, this book will instruct and encourage. I highly recommend this book to all Christians.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and Scripturally based. Quick read. Enlightening!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational

This book is deep. I enjoyed learning about prayer in a way I had never known. However the book was a bit difficult to read....thee and thou was used throughout the book. I'd love to read a modernized version.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

the inner journey, excellently helpful.

[Zachary Mays · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple and beautiful book. One to revisit, and to chew on more slowly next time around.

[Brendan Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devotional widely used by the Quakers. Inwardly silent prayer (“listening” is my take) where the outside self-will has been stripped away for humble reverence and patient trust to feel (listen to) the Divine Presence. A dense read from earlier authors, collected in this 1839 classic version.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and to the point

This short pamphlet is timeless. Christians of all maturity levels could benefit. This isn’t light reading and only applies to the soul that only wants God and sees the falsehood of the values of this world.

I read one chapter with my daily devotions and received the strength I needed.