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The Life of God in the Soul of Man
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.
116 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1677
578 people are currently reading
1876 people want to read
About the author
Henry Scougal
71 books20 followersHenry Scougal was a Scottish Anglican theologian, minister and author.
Scougal produced a number of works while a pastor and professor of divinity at King's. His most recognized work, The Life Of God In The Soul Of Man, was originally written to a friend to explain Christianity and give spiritual counsel. This work was almost universally praised by the leaders of the Great Awakening, including George Whitefield, who said he never really understood what true religion was until he had digested Scougal's treatise.
-- Wikipedia
Scougal produced a number of works while a pastor and professor of divinity at King's. His most recognized work, The Life Of God In The Soul Of Man, was originally written to a friend to explain Christianity and give spiritual counsel. This work was almost universally praised by the leaders of the Great Awakening, including George Whitefield, who said he never really understood what true religion was until he had digested Scougal's treatise.
-- Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
May 28, 2019
This is a beautiful and simple work. It has been encouraging saints for centuries. I recommend it to anyone who would desire an excellent soul! I bought this book at discounted price from here: https://www.amazon.com/Life-God-Soul-...
April 28, 2024
"The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love." One sentence made the book worthwhile!
March 4, 2025
4.8 Stars
"The Life of God in the Soul of Man" by Henry Scougal is a timeless Christian devotional that is pure gold! Originally written as a letter, Scougal's elegant prose beautifully conveys the essence of true religion. He defines true religion as the life of God dwelling within the soul of man, where God is regarded as the highest joy and pleasure. This divine life manifests in renewed affections and actions, inspired by the perfect character and works of Jesus.
This short yet profound letter serves as a powerful reminder to any Christian of the profound nature of the Christian life. It calls believers to fully enjoy God and to perform good works in response to the immense goodness and faithfulness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This devotional is a treasure and a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey.
"The Life of God in the Soul of Man" by Henry Scougal is a timeless Christian devotional that is pure gold! Originally written as a letter, Scougal's elegant prose beautifully conveys the essence of true religion. He defines true religion as the life of God dwelling within the soul of man, where God is regarded as the highest joy and pleasure. This divine life manifests in renewed affections and actions, inspired by the perfect character and works of Jesus.
This short yet profound letter serves as a powerful reminder to any Christian of the profound nature of the Christian life. It calls believers to fully enjoy God and to perform good works in response to the immense goodness and faithfulness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This devotional is a treasure and a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey.
February 27, 2015
This book is only 84 pages long, but is very profound. In an age in which everyone brags about not being religious, this book clearly explains what religion is, and what is more, it inspires me to strive for true religion, divine life. While this book is short, it is dense. It was written in the late 1600s and reading it reminds me of how spiritually and intellectually shallow we are today. Set aside some time to read this little gem. You will be blessed and inspired.
October 1, 2016
Very good book over all, and one with some magnificent passages.
February 11, 2025
Fantastic. Deep, beautiful, practical, encouraging, insightful, and inspiring. I am sad that it took me this long to read this one––it was lovely. Here is a taste, “Expressions of someone’s kindness are always pleasing and acceptable to us, even if the person offering them is otherwise mean and contemptible. But to have the love of one who is altogether lovely, to know that glorious majesty of heaven has regard for us––it should astonish us. It should overwhelm our spirits and melt our hearts and kindle a flame in our whole soul” (158).
March 12, 2025
“Whatever we find lovely in a friend, or in a saint, ought not to engross, but to elevate our affections: we should conclude with ourselves, that if there be so much sweetness in a drop, there must be infinitely more in the fountain; if there be so much splendour in a ray, what must the sun be in its glory?”
This little book was so helpful and wonderful!
This little book was so helpful and wonderful!
December 2, 2011
I’m not a religious person, at all. This isn’t to say that I don’t have some sort of faith, but organized religion truly does not sit with me. I do, however, appreciate excellent writing, scholarship, and artistry that is either for/inspired by/or patronized by churches throughout time. We would have no Parthenon if not for Greek Gods, and no Cathedrals if not for Catholics.
I read this book because I was the proof-listener for the soloist on Librivox, and while I don’t hold with Scougal’s personal beliefs his writing is absolutely beautiful. I really think that it is something that every Christian, regardless of denomination should read. The work is divided into three sections, and it is the last section, that is the best. His passion bleeds through every word, and it becomes quite inspiring. Below I have posted my two favorite quotes from this section.
“The soul of man is of a vigorous and active nature, and hath in it a raging and unextinguishable thirst, an immaterial kind of fire, always catching at some object or other, in conjunction wherewith it thinks to be happy; and were it once rent from the world, and all the bewitching enjoyments under the sun, it would quickly search after some higher and more excellent object, to satisfy its ardent and importunate cravings; and, being no longer dazzled with glittering vanities, would fix on that supreme and all-sufficient Good, where it would discover such beauty and sweetness as would charm and overpower all its affections. The love of the world, and the love of God, are like the scales of a balance; as the one falleth, the other doth rise”
“All men are endowed with rational and immortal souls, with understandings and wills capable of the highest and most exalted things; and if they be at present disordered, and put out of tune by wickedness and folly, this may indeed move our compassion, but ought not, in reason, to extinguish our love. When we see a person of a rugged humour and perverse disposition, full of malice and dissimulation, very foolish and very proud, it is hard to fall in love with an object that presents itself unto us under an idea so little grateful and lovely. But when we shall consider these evil qualities as the diseases and distempers of a soul, which, in itself, is capable of all that wisdom and goodness wherewith the best of saints have ever been adorned, and which may, one day, come to be raised to such heights of perfection as shall render it a fit companion for the holy angels; this will turn our aversion into pity, and make us behold him with such resentments as we should have when we look upon a beautiful body that were mangled with wounds, or disfigured by some loathsome disease; and however we hate the vices, we shall not cease to love the man.”
Beautiful writing eh? I absolutely believe in the capacity of the human soul, if nothing else, and I absolutely adore Scougal’s description of that. I give it three stars because goodreads won’t let me do 2.5. Its not *my* kind of book, but it is beautifully done, and recognized as one of the classic works of the Christian faith (even though it was a letter). So I’m rounding up to a 3. Also, he was around 24 years old when he wrote this. Astonishing? Yes…
I read this book because I was the proof-listener for the soloist on Librivox, and while I don’t hold with Scougal’s personal beliefs his writing is absolutely beautiful. I really think that it is something that every Christian, regardless of denomination should read. The work is divided into three sections, and it is the last section, that is the best. His passion bleeds through every word, and it becomes quite inspiring. Below I have posted my two favorite quotes from this section.
“The soul of man is of a vigorous and active nature, and hath in it a raging and unextinguishable thirst, an immaterial kind of fire, always catching at some object or other, in conjunction wherewith it thinks to be happy; and were it once rent from the world, and all the bewitching enjoyments under the sun, it would quickly search after some higher and more excellent object, to satisfy its ardent and importunate cravings; and, being no longer dazzled with glittering vanities, would fix on that supreme and all-sufficient Good, where it would discover such beauty and sweetness as would charm and overpower all its affections. The love of the world, and the love of God, are like the scales of a balance; as the one falleth, the other doth rise”
“All men are endowed with rational and immortal souls, with understandings and wills capable of the highest and most exalted things; and if they be at present disordered, and put out of tune by wickedness and folly, this may indeed move our compassion, but ought not, in reason, to extinguish our love. When we see a person of a rugged humour and perverse disposition, full of malice and dissimulation, very foolish and very proud, it is hard to fall in love with an object that presents itself unto us under an idea so little grateful and lovely. But when we shall consider these evil qualities as the diseases and distempers of a soul, which, in itself, is capable of all that wisdom and goodness wherewith the best of saints have ever been adorned, and which may, one day, come to be raised to such heights of perfection as shall render it a fit companion for the holy angels; this will turn our aversion into pity, and make us behold him with such resentments as we should have when we look upon a beautiful body that were mangled with wounds, or disfigured by some loathsome disease; and however we hate the vices, we shall not cease to love the man.”
Beautiful writing eh? I absolutely believe in the capacity of the human soul, if nothing else, and I absolutely adore Scougal’s description of that. I give it three stars because goodreads won’t let me do 2.5. Its not *my* kind of book, but it is beautifully done, and recognized as one of the classic works of the Christian faith (even though it was a letter). So I’m rounding up to a 3. Also, he was around 24 years old when he wrote this. Astonishing? Yes…
October 28, 2019
Were it possible to rate this book higher than 5 I would have eagerly done so. It is hard to understand why this incredible primer on ‘real religion’ as Scougal calls it, is not much more broadly known in the church and quoted as frequently as the other divines, reformers and puritans.
George Whitfield, the ‘the Great Awakener’ had the Life of God in the Soul of Man put into his hands by Charles Wesley. This book became Whitfield’s most treasured reading aside from holy scripture itself.
Whitfield said ‘I must bear testimony to my old friend Mr Charles Wesley, he put a book into my hands called the Life of God in the Soul of Man, whereby God showed me that I must be born again, or be damned’.
If you consider yourself a Christian, read this book.
In the foreword by J I Packer he states ‘Real christians will gain from Scougal a healthy reminder that heart-change and character-change thence resulting is what their faith is all about. And the self-deceived will be forced to face the fact that those who have not yet been so changed are not Christians at all.’
George Whitfield, the ‘the Great Awakener’ had the Life of God in the Soul of Man put into his hands by Charles Wesley. This book became Whitfield’s most treasured reading aside from holy scripture itself.
Whitfield said ‘I must bear testimony to my old friend Mr Charles Wesley, he put a book into my hands called the Life of God in the Soul of Man, whereby God showed me that I must be born again, or be damned’.
If you consider yourself a Christian, read this book.
In the foreword by J I Packer he states ‘Real christians will gain from Scougal a healthy reminder that heart-change and character-change thence resulting is what their faith is all about. And the self-deceived will be forced to face the fact that those who have not yet been so changed are not Christians at all.’
April 29, 2024
Update 28 Apr 24:
Just reread the hard copy of this book and can only echo what I previously wrote after my original review of the audio version. But don't take my word for it, here's what George Whitefield had to say about this book: "Though I had fasted, watched and prayed, and received the sacrament so long, yet I never knew what true religion was, till God sent me that treatise."
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
-"True religion is a union of the soul with God. It is a participation in the divine nature. It is the very image of God drawn upon the soul."
-"The natural or animal life ... is self-love growing and spreading into as many branches as men and women have appetites and inclinations. The root and foundation of the animal life is sense, in that it is the opposite of faith. Thus, feeling concentrates our perception of things upon whether some external influence is either gratifying or agreeable."
-"The difference between a religious and a wicked man is that in the one, the divine life holds sway, and in the other, the animal life prevails."
-"The root of the divine life is faith. Its chief branches are love for God, charity to man, purity, and humility."
-"Humility has to do with a deep sense of our own weakness, together with a heartfelt and affectionate acknowledgement that all that we are, we owe to God's great bounty."
-"Though He had no sins to confess and few secular interests to pray for - which, alas, are almost the only things that drive us to our prayers! - yet He frequently retired from the world, and with the greatest devotion and pleasure He spent whole nights in that heavenly exercise."
-"But alas, what words can be found to express the inward satisfactions or the hidden pleasures that are experienced by souls wholly devoted to God! Holiness is that for which the soul was intended, for in holiness alone is the soul's constitution vigorous and healthy."
-"The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love. A person who loves mean and sordid things thereby becomes base and vile. But a noble and well-placed affection enhances the soul's desire to be conformed to the perfection of the things that it loves."
-"By giving our love, we give our all. It is not possible to refuse anything to the person to whom in love we have given ourselves ... love is the worthiest present that we can offer to God. Love is debased when we bestow it in any other way."
-"The most solid and substantial delights that human nature is capable of experiencing, are those that originate in the warm satisfactions or well-placed affections ... the experience of love will be miserable and full of trouble when there is insufficient worth and excellence in love's object that meets the vastness of love's capacity."
-"Nothing less than being directed toward infinite goodness can afford it enough room to stretch itself and exert its vigor and vitality ... love is accompanied by trouble when it lacks a suitable return for its affections."
-"How happy are those who have placed their love on Him who can never be absent from them!"
-"A soul will never know what solid joy and lasting pleasure mean until, weary of itself, it renounces all its possessions and gives itself up to the author of its being."
-"The practices of religion that are insipid and tedious to others yield the greatest pleasure and delight to souls possessed with divine love ... they never think themselves so happy as when, having retired from the world and freed themselves from the noise and hurry of their affairs and silenced all their inner clamorous passions, they have placed themselves in the presence of God and have fellowship and communion with Him."
-"Purity is accompanied by a great deal of pleasure ... all impure delights have a sting in them and leave trouble in their wake."
-"The humble man is at an advantage when he is despised in that no one can think more meanly of him than he already does of himself. Therefore he is not troubled at any matter but can bear reproaches that would wound another person to their soul."
-"We never have more reason to expect the divine assistance than when we are doing our utmost."
-"The same selfish principle that drives us on in pursuit of sinful pleasures ought to make us loathe to buy them if the price is everlasting misery. Thus we are able to launch a counterattack on self-love."
-"All the pleasures and enjoyments of the world, are vain and amount to nothing - and yet these things occupy all our thoughts and engross all our affections."
-"A person's soul has a vigorous and active nature but has in it a raging and inextinguishable thirst ... amidst all our pursuits and designs, let us stop and ask ourselves: To what end is all this?"
-"What a poor thing the life of a man would be if he were not capable of higher enjoyments than those afforded by this world!"
-"Whatever we find lovely in a friend or in a saint ought not to preoccupy us but rather elevate our affection. We should convince ourselves that there is so much sweetness in a drop that there must be infinitely more in the fountain."
-"Humility arises ... for if the thoughts that pass through our minds were exposed to public view - even during the most worthy or serious day of our life - then we would be rendered either hateful or ridiculous to others."
-"Our spots never appear so clearly as when we put them under the infinite light."
Original Review (16 Apr 24):
Wow wow wow… It’s hard to describe how powerful this little book is in stirring up holy affections. JI Packer said that “This book was the seed with which the English revival spread,” having a profound impact on the conversion and future ministry of George Whitefield.
Personally, I had that rare feeling one sometimes gets after watching an epic film for the first time in the theater (sadly doesn’t happen often anymore)… where one leaves with sensory overload, too much to process, and the desire/necessity to go see it a second and third time.
I just purchased two copies (one for a friend) so will reread this as soon as it arrives since my first contact was on audible. Then I’ll post a more exhaustive review … and then I may read it a third time 😆
Just reread the hard copy of this book and can only echo what I previously wrote after my original review of the audio version. But don't take my word for it, here's what George Whitefield had to say about this book: "Though I had fasted, watched and prayed, and received the sacrament so long, yet I never knew what true religion was, till God sent me that treatise."
Here are some of my favorite quotes:
-"True religion is a union of the soul with God. It is a participation in the divine nature. It is the very image of God drawn upon the soul."
-"The natural or animal life ... is self-love growing and spreading into as many branches as men and women have appetites and inclinations. The root and foundation of the animal life is sense, in that it is the opposite of faith. Thus, feeling concentrates our perception of things upon whether some external influence is either gratifying or agreeable."
-"The difference between a religious and a wicked man is that in the one, the divine life holds sway, and in the other, the animal life prevails."
-"The root of the divine life is faith. Its chief branches are love for God, charity to man, purity, and humility."
-"Humility has to do with a deep sense of our own weakness, together with a heartfelt and affectionate acknowledgement that all that we are, we owe to God's great bounty."
-"Though He had no sins to confess and few secular interests to pray for - which, alas, are almost the only things that drive us to our prayers! - yet He frequently retired from the world, and with the greatest devotion and pleasure He spent whole nights in that heavenly exercise."
-"But alas, what words can be found to express the inward satisfactions or the hidden pleasures that are experienced by souls wholly devoted to God! Holiness is that for which the soul was intended, for in holiness alone is the soul's constitution vigorous and healthy."
-"The worth and excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love. A person who loves mean and sordid things thereby becomes base and vile. But a noble and well-placed affection enhances the soul's desire to be conformed to the perfection of the things that it loves."
-"By giving our love, we give our all. It is not possible to refuse anything to the person to whom in love we have given ourselves ... love is the worthiest present that we can offer to God. Love is debased when we bestow it in any other way."
-"The most solid and substantial delights that human nature is capable of experiencing, are those that originate in the warm satisfactions or well-placed affections ... the experience of love will be miserable and full of trouble when there is insufficient worth and excellence in love's object that meets the vastness of love's capacity."
-"Nothing less than being directed toward infinite goodness can afford it enough room to stretch itself and exert its vigor and vitality ... love is accompanied by trouble when it lacks a suitable return for its affections."
-"How happy are those who have placed their love on Him who can never be absent from them!"
-"A soul will never know what solid joy and lasting pleasure mean until, weary of itself, it renounces all its possessions and gives itself up to the author of its being."
-"The practices of religion that are insipid and tedious to others yield the greatest pleasure and delight to souls possessed with divine love ... they never think themselves so happy as when, having retired from the world and freed themselves from the noise and hurry of their affairs and silenced all their inner clamorous passions, they have placed themselves in the presence of God and have fellowship and communion with Him."
-"Purity is accompanied by a great deal of pleasure ... all impure delights have a sting in them and leave trouble in their wake."
-"The humble man is at an advantage when he is despised in that no one can think more meanly of him than he already does of himself. Therefore he is not troubled at any matter but can bear reproaches that would wound another person to their soul."
-"We never have more reason to expect the divine assistance than when we are doing our utmost."
-"The same selfish principle that drives us on in pursuit of sinful pleasures ought to make us loathe to buy them if the price is everlasting misery. Thus we are able to launch a counterattack on self-love."
-"All the pleasures and enjoyments of the world, are vain and amount to nothing - and yet these things occupy all our thoughts and engross all our affections."
-"A person's soul has a vigorous and active nature but has in it a raging and inextinguishable thirst ... amidst all our pursuits and designs, let us stop and ask ourselves: To what end is all this?"
-"What a poor thing the life of a man would be if he were not capable of higher enjoyments than those afforded by this world!"
-"Whatever we find lovely in a friend or in a saint ought not to preoccupy us but rather elevate our affection. We should convince ourselves that there is so much sweetness in a drop that there must be infinitely more in the fountain."
-"Humility arises ... for if the thoughts that pass through our minds were exposed to public view - even during the most worthy or serious day of our life - then we would be rendered either hateful or ridiculous to others."
-"Our spots never appear so clearly as when we put them under the infinite light."
Original Review (16 Apr 24):
Wow wow wow… It’s hard to describe how powerful this little book is in stirring up holy affections. JI Packer said that “This book was the seed with which the English revival spread,” having a profound impact on the conversion and future ministry of George Whitefield.
Personally, I had that rare feeling one sometimes gets after watching an epic film for the first time in the theater (sadly doesn’t happen often anymore)… where one leaves with sensory overload, too much to process, and the desire/necessity to go see it a second and third time.
I just purchased two copies (one for a friend) so will reread this as soon as it arrives since my first contact was on audible. Then I’ll post a more exhaustive review … and then I may read it a third time 😆
December 14, 2025
“Nothing could be such an effectual means for convincing the world of the truth and excellency of our most holy faith, as that those who profess and embrace it, did walk in all the strictness of a most holy, innocent, and exemplary life.”
This is just one exemplary sentence taken from the preface of the book “The Life of God in the Soul of Man” by the Rev. Henry Scougal. This book itself, originally written as a letter of encouragement to his friend, shows the importance of ‘religion’.
Today, many people refer to their spiritual state as “a relationship with Jesus” and try to reject the term ‘religion’. Instead of all the negative connotations that people attach to this term, religion actually is much more than “the opposite of a relationship.” It would be more accurate to say that religion is the natural and practical effect of a sincere relationship with God. Mr. Scougal defines it as “a divine life.”
This divine life contains different implications: it has a special focus on love, charity, purity, and humility. These are first and foremost exemplified in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are to be followed by us.
After showing the excellency of the branches of the divine life, Mr. Scougal hands out a number of warnings and encouragements, together with tips and ideas to take further steps. Everything is explained as being completely in dependence of Him Who created heaven and earth, Who is the only One sustaining it all, and Who is the Giver of life.
A good summary is given in the section containing rules and instructions, written by Archbishop Leighton, probably somewhere in the 17th century:
“The sum is:
1. Remember always the presence of God.
2. Rejoice always in the will of God. And,
3. Direct all to the glory of God.”
Definitely a book to recommend, especially as George Whitefield said, “I never knew what true religion was till God sent me this excellent treatise.”
This is just one exemplary sentence taken from the preface of the book “The Life of God in the Soul of Man” by the Rev. Henry Scougal. This book itself, originally written as a letter of encouragement to his friend, shows the importance of ‘religion’.
Today, many people refer to their spiritual state as “a relationship with Jesus” and try to reject the term ‘religion’. Instead of all the negative connotations that people attach to this term, religion actually is much more than “the opposite of a relationship.” It would be more accurate to say that religion is the natural and practical effect of a sincere relationship with God. Mr. Scougal defines it as “a divine life.”
This divine life contains different implications: it has a special focus on love, charity, purity, and humility. These are first and foremost exemplified in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are to be followed by us.
After showing the excellency of the branches of the divine life, Mr. Scougal hands out a number of warnings and encouragements, together with tips and ideas to take further steps. Everything is explained as being completely in dependence of Him Who created heaven and earth, Who is the only One sustaining it all, and Who is the Giver of life.
A good summary is given in the section containing rules and instructions, written by Archbishop Leighton, probably somewhere in the 17th century:
“The sum is:
1. Remember always the presence of God.
2. Rejoice always in the will of God. And,
3. Direct all to the glory of God.”
Definitely a book to recommend, especially as George Whitefield said, “I never knew what true religion was till God sent me this excellent treatise.”
April 27, 2024
“True religion is the union of the soul with God.”
It is more than a matter of the mind, more than a matter of formality, and more than a matter of feelings.
Originally published in 1677 and intended as a letter to a friend, this book speaks to Christians of all stripes today. As Joel Beeke puts so well in the foreword:
“This book is very useful for nominal Christians and those who minister to them, as it unmasks the emptiness of formalistic religion and shows the significance of a real relationship with the living God. It is also quite helpful in stiffing sincere believers to pant after a deeper communion with God and to help them see what this means.”
It is more than a matter of the mind, more than a matter of formality, and more than a matter of feelings.
Originally published in 1677 and intended as a letter to a friend, this book speaks to Christians of all stripes today. As Joel Beeke puts so well in the foreword:
“This book is very useful for nominal Christians and those who minister to them, as it unmasks the emptiness of formalistic religion and shows the significance of a real relationship with the living God. It is also quite helpful in stiffing sincere believers to pant after a deeper communion with God and to help them see what this means.”
December 2, 2025
This is a short read, fast became a favorite. I’d like to read it every year. “If we desire to have the sincere love and heartfelt compassion that we ought to have toward our neighbors, then we must not omit any opportunity for doing them good. These external performances are of little value in themselves yet they may help us to make grooves toward better things. It is always good to be doing what we can, for then God is inclined to pity our weakness and assist our feeble endeavors.”
February 22, 2025
Short book, much wisdom.
December 31, 2024
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."
February 9, 2024
Excellent book with some incredible insights. Scougal's musings on love for and of God moved me to the core.
However, as Packer mentions in the introduction, Scougal neglects to turn the readers' attention to Christ at several moments when it would have been helpful. We ought to strive for holiness to be sure, but we ought to do so with our gaze firmly fixed on the Son.
However, as Packer mentions in the introduction, Scougal neglects to turn the readers' attention to Christ at several moments when it would have been helpful. We ought to strive for holiness to be sure, but we ought to do so with our gaze firmly fixed on the Son.
September 30, 2020
A beautiful book. It’s short, but it’s honestly one of the hardest books I’ve ever read. I’ve read other Puritans and older books, but there’s something about the way he writes that’s just tough—weird language, punctuation, and more. But it’s all worth it. It’s worth reading, digging into, and applying.
In brief, the letter (which it is crazy to consider that this book was a *letter* to a friend) is split into three sections. First, Scougal explains how true Christianity is a “divine life” (a great term). Second, he shows forth what this means, specifically by focusing on Jesus and Christian virtues. Third, he applies it and shows how we can strive to attain this divine life.
Overall, it’s an excellent work. It’s convicting, encouraging, and beautiful. This is my second time reading it, and I’ll read it again and again in the future I’m sure.
In brief, the letter (which it is crazy to consider that this book was a *letter* to a friend) is split into three sections. First, Scougal explains how true Christianity is a “divine life” (a great term). Second, he shows forth what this means, specifically by focusing on Jesus and Christian virtues. Third, he applies it and shows how we can strive to attain this divine life.
Overall, it’s an excellent work. It’s convicting, encouraging, and beautiful. This is my second time reading it, and I’ll read it again and again in the future I’m sure.
August 2, 2025
The type of wonderful book which seems to “stamp eternity on [one’s] eyeballs,” as Jonathan Edwards once prayed. Scougal’s depiction of the Christian life, ultimate Reality, and God’s purpose for mankind were lovely beyond words and ignites the heart toward God. He makes you want to be far better than you are and know God far more than you do.
“In prayer we make the nearest approach to God and lie open to the influences of heaven. It is then that the sun of righteousness visits us with his most direct rays, dissipating our darkness and imprinting his image on our souls.”
“This slavery of the soul to God is more noble than anything else in the world!”
“In prayer we make the nearest approach to God and lie open to the influences of heaven. It is then that the sun of righteousness visits us with his most direct rays, dissipating our darkness and imprinting his image on our souls.”
“This slavery of the soul to God is more noble than anything else in the world!”
February 28, 2020
I was no where close to thinking or writing like this letter when I was 27. If I were to receive this letter from a friend, I would do everything I could to strengthen our friendship over time. Reading this letter requires focus and reflection, so at times I found myself rereading paragraphs again and again. I was moved several times by his passion and love for God and his love for his friend. 4 stars since it was a bit difficult to get through, but that just shows my ignorance.
August 4, 2024
This is a book that was greatly influential on the leaders of the 18th century evangelical revivals (Wesley, Whitefield, etc.). It was written as a (long) letter to a friend explaining the relationship of the doctrine of union with Christ to personal holiness. Scougal does a wonderful job connecting the two themes. This would be a book you could still put in the hands of a lay Christian today.
January 25, 2025
The book came at a much needed time for me.
Scougal quotes an anonymous poet who grasps this Life of God in the Soul of Man,
"It was as though the God of love had shot all his golden arrows at me but could never pierce my heart-until at length he put himself into the bow and was himself thrust straight through me"
Scougal quotes an anonymous poet who grasps this Life of God in the Soul of Man,
"It was as though the God of love had shot all his golden arrows at me but could never pierce my heart-until at length he put himself into the bow and was himself thrust straight through me"
February 7, 2024
I wonder should Henry Scougal lived past 28 if he would have written more on the nature and character of God.
This short read is heavy yet encouraging. It calls for the reflection of a believer unto oneself if their beliefs are as true as they say or if they simply are just going with the flow of their family’s or society’s religion. I believer must medidate and ponder the great mysteries of God and in turn it leads and directs that person’s actions.
We must know God for who He says He is.
This short read is heavy yet encouraging. It calls for the reflection of a believer unto oneself if their beliefs are as true as they say or if they simply are just going with the flow of their family’s or society’s religion. I believer must medidate and ponder the great mysteries of God and in turn it leads and directs that person’s actions.
We must know God for who He says He is.
September 25, 2022
Another great suggested read by David Carrico from FOJC & NYSTV!
July 14, 2024
This is an absolute must-read! Scougal captures what the nature of true religion is better than any I have read. Beautifully written and deeply convicting.
April 1, 2025
I had no idea who this person was, but I was greatly encouraged by this book! One of the best Puritan writings that I’ve come across yet.
December 28, 2023
Very good. Straight to the point, and practical. Took way longer to get through than it should have, but still an enjoyable read. Helpful it just thinking on Christian character, the benefits and requirements, so to speak, of religion. Some points maybe left a question mark in my mind as to what Scougal was getting at, but nothing serious. All in all worthwhile.
May 31, 2025
“…for greater is He that is for us than all that can rise up against us; the eternal God is our refuge and underneath us are the everlasting arms. Let us be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, for He it is that shall trample down our enemies.” (Scougal page 109)
February 11, 2013
Someone once said that books don't change lives, but sentences do. And there are a few of those sentences within The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Henry Scougal. It is a collection of three letters written to a friend to encourage him in his growth in godliness, and to instruct him on the Christian life. Though it was never meant to be published, it was published 60 years after Scougal's death and the world is a better place for it. Many of the Great Awakening leaders were influenced powerfully by this book— Whitfield being one of them. It was also the book that inspired John Piper to write The Pleasures of God.
Though the older folk used a lot of words to get to the main point, this was an insightful book with many nuggets to stir my soul. I'll definitely look to this work again for encouragement for my soul.
Here are a few of those sentences that stood out to me:
"They know by experience that true religion is a union of the soul with God, a real participation of the divine nature, the very image of God drawn upon the soul, or, in the apostle's phrase, 'It is Christ formed within us'" (pg. 2).
"By purity, I understand a due abstractedness from the body, and mastery over the inferior appetites; or such a temper and disposition of mind, as makes a man despise and abstain from all pleasures and delights of sense or fancy, which are sinful in themselves, or tend to extinguish or lessen our relish of more divine and intellectual pleasures..." (pg. 6).
"The love of God is a delightful and affectionate sense of the divine perfections, which makes the soul resign and sacrifice itself wholly unto him, desiring above all things to please him, and delighting in nothing so much as in fellowship and communion with him, and being ready to do or suffer any thing for his sake, or at his pleasure" (pg. 5).
"Again, religion may be designed by the name of life, because it is an inward, free, and self-moving principle: and those who have made progress in it, are not actuated only by external motives, driven merely by threatenings, nor bribed by promises, nor constrained by laws; but are powerfully inclined to that which is good, and delight in the performance of it. The love which a pious man bears to God and goodness, is not so much by virtue of a command enjoining him so to do, as by a new nature instructing and prompting him to it; nor doth he pay his devotions as an unavoidable tribute only to appease the divine justice, or quiet his clamorous conscience; but those religious exercises are the proper emanations of the divine life, the natural employments of the new-born soul" (pg. 2).
Though the older folk used a lot of words to get to the main point, this was an insightful book with many nuggets to stir my soul. I'll definitely look to this work again for encouragement for my soul.
Here are a few of those sentences that stood out to me:
"They know by experience that true religion is a union of the soul with God, a real participation of the divine nature, the very image of God drawn upon the soul, or, in the apostle's phrase, 'It is Christ formed within us'" (pg. 2).
"By purity, I understand a due abstractedness from the body, and mastery over the inferior appetites; or such a temper and disposition of mind, as makes a man despise and abstain from all pleasures and delights of sense or fancy, which are sinful in themselves, or tend to extinguish or lessen our relish of more divine and intellectual pleasures..." (pg. 6).
"The love of God is a delightful and affectionate sense of the divine perfections, which makes the soul resign and sacrifice itself wholly unto him, desiring above all things to please him, and delighting in nothing so much as in fellowship and communion with him, and being ready to do or suffer any thing for his sake, or at his pleasure" (pg. 5).
"Again, religion may be designed by the name of life, because it is an inward, free, and self-moving principle: and those who have made progress in it, are not actuated only by external motives, driven merely by threatenings, nor bribed by promises, nor constrained by laws; but are powerfully inclined to that which is good, and delight in the performance of it. The love which a pious man bears to God and goodness, is not so much by virtue of a command enjoining him so to do, as by a new nature instructing and prompting him to it; nor doth he pay his devotions as an unavoidable tribute only to appease the divine justice, or quiet his clamorous conscience; but those religious exercises are the proper emanations of the divine life, the natural employments of the new-born soul" (pg. 2).
April 21, 2016
This is one of the best devotional / theological books I have had the pleasure of reading. This is probably fourth or fifth time I have read it.
In it Scougal defines religion as the life of God in the soul of man and then details how to experience that blessed state in one's own life.
The first time I read this book there were a few revolutionary concepts in the book that lifted me out of the stream of thought of the theological world I found myself in in my earlier years. One was the idea that man's primitive and natural state at creation was perfect and noble. Sin, an artificial and foreign monstrosity, came in and overthrew that natural state. This view contrasted with the view I had always had before that man's natural state is sinful. The former view of mine failed to appreciate the perfection of creation. The second revolutionary concept for me is summarized by this, "Who shall prescribe a law to those that love? Love's a more powerful law which doth them move." In my younger years law was everything; religion was nothing but law. This book, along with some of A.W. Tozer's writings, however, pulled me out of that dreadful view and set me on the right way.
The physical book I read was not the edition listed here. The edition I read had no ISBN. It was published by Sprinkle Publications in 1986. It was a facsimile of the original book, so the typography had the charming look of an old book from the days before electronics.
In it Scougal defines religion as the life of God in the soul of man and then details how to experience that blessed state in one's own life.
The first time I read this book there were a few revolutionary concepts in the book that lifted me out of the stream of thought of the theological world I found myself in in my earlier years. One was the idea that man's primitive and natural state at creation was perfect and noble. Sin, an artificial and foreign monstrosity, came in and overthrew that natural state. This view contrasted with the view I had always had before that man's natural state is sinful. The former view of mine failed to appreciate the perfection of creation. The second revolutionary concept for me is summarized by this, "Who shall prescribe a law to those that love? Love's a more powerful law which doth them move." In my younger years law was everything; religion was nothing but law. This book, along with some of A.W. Tozer's writings, however, pulled me out of that dreadful view and set me on the right way.
The physical book I read was not the edition listed here. The edition I read had no ISBN. It was published by Sprinkle Publications in 1986. It was a facsimile of the original book, so the typography had the charming look of an old book from the days before electronics.
September 9, 2012
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.)
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