What do you think?
Rate this book
Autobiography of Madame Guyon
Autobiography of Madame Guyon "My earnest wish is to paint in true colors the goodness of God to me, and the depth of my own ingratitude." Jeanne Marie Bouvie de La Motte was born near Paris in 1648. She was a sickly child who married a wealthy neighbor (22 years her senior) when she was 16 years of age. At age 28 she was a widow with three small children. At age 47 she was imprisoned because her writings about God and prayer ran contrary to the established Church of the time. She lost her freedom for 7 years during which time she continued to write about the God she loved. "People want to direct God instead of resigning themselves to be directed by Him. They want to show Him a way, instead of passively following that wherein He leads them. Hence many souls, called to enjoy God Himself, and not barely His gifts, spend all their lives in running after little consolations, and feeding on them-resting there only, making all their happiness to consist therin." You are invited to read Madame Guyon's autobiography and judge for yourself if her experiences and writings are ones to condemn or condone.
450 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1974
185 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Jeanne Guyon
384 books104 followersJeanne 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)
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)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
May 26, 2009
The subtitle says this: "Her Sole Crime was that of Loving God."
Not true. She was a whiner. Big time. Had a door mat personality, with a tendency to get praise Jesus if you stomped on her. Then she would gloat about it and after write how her gloating was not self-praise, and somehow excuse it. Her letters are boring, with a tendency to run on. I can prove it:
"For these several years past, it has seemed to me that my mind is so detached and absent from the body, that I do things as if I did them not. If I eat, or refresh myself, it is done with such an absence, or separation, as I wonder at, with an entire mortification of the keenness of sensation in all the natural functions." (Eh?)
"We met with accidents in this journey, sufficient to have terrified anyone. Though corrupt nature prevailed so far as I have just mentioned, yet my resignation to God was so strong, that I passed fearless, even where there was apparently no possibility of escape. At one time we got into a narrow pass, and did not perceive, until we were too far advanced to draw back, that the road was undermined by the river Loire, which ran beneath, and the banks had fallen in; so that is some places the footmen were obliged to support one side of the carriage. All those around me were terrified to the highest degree, yet God kept me perfectly tranquil. I secretly rejoiced at the prospect of losing my life by a singular stroke of His providence."
(I felt most sorry for the footmen, carrying her crazy soul about, trying to make it to the other side of the river alive)
Not true. She was a whiner. Big time. Had a door mat personality, with a tendency to get praise Jesus if you stomped on her. Then she would gloat about it and after write how her gloating was not self-praise, and somehow excuse it. Her letters are boring, with a tendency to run on. I can prove it:
"For these several years past, it has seemed to me that my mind is so detached and absent from the body, that I do things as if I did them not. If I eat, or refresh myself, it is done with such an absence, or separation, as I wonder at, with an entire mortification of the keenness of sensation in all the natural functions." (Eh?)
"We met with accidents in this journey, sufficient to have terrified anyone. Though corrupt nature prevailed so far as I have just mentioned, yet my resignation to God was so strong, that I passed fearless, even where there was apparently no possibility of escape. At one time we got into a narrow pass, and did not perceive, until we were too far advanced to draw back, that the road was undermined by the river Loire, which ran beneath, and the banks had fallen in; so that is some places the footmen were obliged to support one side of the carriage. All those around me were terrified to the highest degree, yet God kept me perfectly tranquil. I secretly rejoiced at the prospect of losing my life by a singular stroke of His providence."
(I felt most sorry for the footmen, carrying her crazy soul about, trying to make it to the other side of the river alive)
November 12, 2014
I read this as part of an online book club hosted by Renovarè. I read a newer translation but this book was a beautiful tale of a woman that found the immense blessings of God despite the suffering she endured. Given my present circumstance of dealing with an intense illness, it really meant a lot to me.
August 8, 2021
Wow, wow, wow!
What an impactful book and life. This book took me so long to read because I had to put it down after ever paragraph to ponder. I never read a book that the addressed God with so much reverence. Mid-sentence she would break out in “Oh divine goodness, infinite perfection, honorable Spouse.”
I learned so much from her. This goes on my list of most spiritually-impactful books.
What an impactful book and life. This book took me so long to read because I had to put it down after ever paragraph to ponder. I never read a book that the addressed God with so much reverence. Mid-sentence she would break out in “Oh divine goodness, infinite perfection, honorable Spouse.”
I learned so much from her. This goes on my list of most spiritually-impactful books.
May 25, 2016
This was a hard one to get through, but it was very enlightening. In the beginning, it was very difficult to relate to her struggles with simply wanting to be humble and serve God. The persecution she felt from even close family members is very hard to comprehend because we live in a very different time. However, about three-fourths of the way through this book, I found myself a situation in my personal life where I encountered unreasonable barriers to a simple project that would serve young people and teach them God's Word. I had undertaken similar projects in the past without any issue but there seemed to be multiple walls put up to try and hinder me from serving by other individuals that were more concerned about their pride and control. Then, it hit me how my situation (while very minor compared to everything that Guyon went through) was an experience that helped me to be able to relate to what Guyon was teaching. I don't think I would have see the situation the same way if I was not reading this book at the same time. As we strive for a closer walk with God and to take the path of humility with our service, we are going to find ourselves on the outside and that is really the best place to be. That is where Guyon was and even when we cannot completely relate to her and the time she lived, we can appreciate her dedication, humility, and desire for a quiet spirit-filled life.
March 25, 2014
I can only hope to have half of Madame's faith in God and His purpose and will in our lives. She is the ultimate example of one who gave her whole heart and will, without reserve, to her God. You will be challenged in your spiritual life if you read this autobiography!
October 16, 2021
An extraordinary book
I have never read anything like this book. Mdm. Guyon's journey takes her closer and closer to God each day; by way of dying to herself. I have learned more of what "dying to self" looks like and what it entails on a daily basis.
I have never read anything like this book. Mdm. Guyon's journey takes her closer and closer to God each day; by way of dying to herself. I have learned more of what "dying to self" looks like and what it entails on a daily basis.
August 7, 2022
This 17th century mystic was imprisoned in the Bastille because her practice of quietism offended the Inquisition. Her autobiography documents how she became able to exercise a continual "prayer of the heart" despite constant trials she faced in her worldly life.
Currently reading
February 9, 2008Keeps me from forgetting about what I am supposed to do here on earth...
October 21, 2024
I made it through 2/3 of the book (page 262). I decided to stop, because, though admirable, Guyon appeared to welcome suffering and brag about it as well as about her mistreatment by other people. I don't think this is healthy. Again, she is admirable in her willingness to give up personal desires to follow God, but at times she almost seems masochistic. She would have done better to address people directly and lovingly, while accepting suffering, than to enable further harm by being a doormat. She might have benefitted from reading "Boundaries" by Cloud and Townsend if it had been written 300 years prior. As it is, I cannot recommend reading this book, though her way of life offers me encouragement and a positive example in some ways, being so antithetical to modernity's focus on satisfying every personal want.
August 9, 2011
Very good, somewhat enthralling, account of a 17th century French woman imprisoned for her religious beliefs. Although, at times, it's somewhat hard to follow (I suspect this is because of its translation from the original French) it still hits home that this sort of thing can happen to anyone, depending on "home politics" of time and place and how easily the populace can be stirred up against someone. Worth a look.
June 14, 2022
... what.
This book was honestly really hard for me to get through. It started out all right, but as it went, Madame Guyon just kept whining about every event in her life. While I understand a lot of her perspective that God can bring us closer to Him through suffering..... I'm pretty sure she could have avoided about 95% of the suffering she details. The ending was also ok, but overall this book really annoyed me.
This book was honestly really hard for me to get through. It started out all right, but as it went, Madame Guyon just kept whining about every event in her life. While I understand a lot of her perspective that God can bring us closer to Him through suffering..... I'm pretty sure she could have avoided about 95% of the suffering she details. The ending was also ok, but overall this book really annoyed me.
October 1, 2023
Amazing book that will stay with you and compel you to talk about it with others. It is like no other book you will ever read. It helped me to better understand by her example what dying to self really means. It should be required reading for every Christian.
The very first review that pops up is from someone who has zero understanding of what dying to self entails or means. I would have commented on her post except I have zero desire to see her review continue at the top of the pile.
The very first review that pops up is from someone who has zero understanding of what dying to self entails or means. I would have commented on her post except I have zero desire to see her review continue at the top of the pile.
July 18, 2012
She was a dynamic woman used greatly by the Lord. I enjoyed the book, because it showed the understanding of the Lord during the 1600's. The church has come a long way from where she was. I have found her prayer book and I am excited to read it soon...
February 6, 2019
Hated for it to end
Very touching and enlightening challenging to see life through the same lense as the author. Her faith strengthened through her experiences and intimacy with God motivates me toward the same kind of relationship.
Very touching and enlightening challenging to see life through the same lense as the author. Her faith strengthened through her experiences and intimacy with God motivates me toward the same kind of relationship.
July 20, 2022
quedé admirada de esa mujer
Una mujer llena del espíritu Santo humilde mansa sencilla valiente para la época y que no tuvo miedo de enfrentarse a los más grandes como era el rey de todos los que lo precedía creo que nos dejo una gran lección
Una mujer llena del espíritu Santo humilde mansa sencilla valiente para la época y que no tuvo miedo de enfrentarse a los más grandes como era el rey de todos los que lo precedía creo que nos dejo una gran lección
February 23, 2013
Insightful autobiography of a rather odd woman.
November 26, 2014
Madame Guyon's life was an adventure. It was often very difficult but in the middle of it all, she and God carved out a powerful relationship.
September 3, 2015
A marytre for her Christian faith in the 1600's, this book makes me take stock of my own walk with Christ. Convicting yet encouraging.
September 10, 2017
Good read
December 14, 2018
Love this book! It is powerful!
December 27, 2020
This book is a window into 17thc. religious life as told by a singular woman of faith. Madame Guyon was an introspective aristocrat who determined at a young age to love her God. Her life was an arduous tale of trials, she called them "crosses" which only served to deepen her determined piety. She was persecuted by clerics seeking power, by confused friends who believed gossip, even outrageous lies, but loved by a courageous few who observed her in truth. The institutionally religious and national climate in which she lived exhausted me to imagine its horrible rigors. I actually had to skim through the middle of this long account for all it's troubling descriptions of her trials at the hands of fools. I had this on my shelf and only turned to it during CoVid curiosity, sensing I needed to understand this woman. I appreciated her hard won contentment, simplicity and genuine self-renouncement. In this she is a stellar example. And now she is safe in His arms.
October 2, 2024
Not easy to get through but I finally finished it. I had heard that it was inspiring, but I found it hard to relate to her. It's clear that God did something extraordinary first in her and then through her, but the fact that it was extra-ordinary means that it's not the way God ordinarily works in people, so which parts do I take as an example? Some parts, definitely, but I think I would find it more inspiring to read the memoir of someone whom I could relate to more.
May 31, 2020
An intriguing life of a faithful saint. I don’t feel fair giving it 3 stars because she didn’t write it for entertainment or literary praise, she simply put forth her life to glorify God through the sufferings she shares. Very interesting lady, and I was convicted and challenged by much of her example!
September 9, 2022
Found this e-book on Barnes & Noble instead:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/auto...
(The Amazon link went to a blank page with a picture of a dog.)
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/auto...
(The Amazon link went to a blank page with a picture of a dog.)
November 17, 2022
Great book, the e-book version can be found at:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/auto...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/auto...
September 4, 2023
Her thinking was a little more mystical than Biblical sometimes.
June 29, 2024
Super fascinating account of a religious mystic's journey with the politicized church and her passive resistance. Amazing glimpse into a life I would otherwise never have known.
July 21, 2024
THE ONCE-LOST STORY OF A FAMOUS FRENCH "QUIETIST”
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 a book on the topic; she wrote this 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.
After a spiritual experience, she worries, "I knew not what to say, having never read or heard of such a state as I experienced. I dreaded delusion and feared that all was not right, for before this I had known nothing of the operations of God in souls... I was quite a stranger to those spiritual books wherein such states are described." (Pg. 97)
She says, "I have no desire that my imprisonment should end before the right time. I love my chains. Everything is equal to me, as I have no will of my own, but purely the love and will of Him who possesses me." (Pg. 210)
She recounts that one time "I was especially moved to read the Holy Scriptures. When I began I was impelled to write the passage, and instantly its explication was given me, which I also wrote, going on with inconceivable expedition... Thus the Lord made me go on with an explanation of the holy internal sense of the Scriptures." (Pg. 321-322)
She observes with irony, "In regard to others, when they find faults in their books, they condemn the books and leave the person at liberty; but as for me, my book is approved, sold and spread, while I am kept a prisoner for it." (Pg. 362) Nevertheless, she concludes, "I had an inexpressible satisfaction and joy in suffering, and being a prisoner. The confinement of my body made me better relish the freedom of my mind." (Pg. 366)
Guyon is perhaps experiencing a resurgence these days, and this book is an excellent introduction to the woman and her spirituality.
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 a book on the topic; she wrote this 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.
After a spiritual experience, she worries, "I knew not what to say, having never read or heard of such a state as I experienced. I dreaded delusion and feared that all was not right, for before this I had known nothing of the operations of God in souls... I was quite a stranger to those spiritual books wherein such states are described." (Pg. 97)
She says, "I have no desire that my imprisonment should end before the right time. I love my chains. Everything is equal to me, as I have no will of my own, but purely the love and will of Him who possesses me." (Pg. 210)
She recounts that one time "I was especially moved to read the Holy Scriptures. When I began I was impelled to write the passage, and instantly its explication was given me, which I also wrote, going on with inconceivable expedition... Thus the Lord made me go on with an explanation of the holy internal sense of the Scriptures." (Pg. 321-322)
She observes with irony, "In regard to others, when they find faults in their books, they condemn the books and leave the person at liberty; but as for me, my book is approved, sold and spread, while I am kept a prisoner for it." (Pg. 362) Nevertheless, she concludes, "I had an inexpressible satisfaction and joy in suffering, and being a prisoner. The confinement of my body made me better relish the freedom of my mind." (Pg. 366)
Guyon is perhaps experiencing a resurgence these days, and this book is an excellent introduction to the woman and her spirituality.
February 11, 2011
I think this chick could give Job a run for his money in the patience department. There was a decent amount of applicable information, but as a 21st woman (post feminism, post ERA, post women in the workplace), parts of it were difficult to read with Jeanne being so overtly submissive to authorities (mostly men) in her life. But times were different in the 1650s. It was what women did. Madame Guyon is still a good, solid example of Christianity.
If I could develop half the patience she has...
I am interested in checking out the other books she wrote that were more practically based as opposed to just her personal story.
If I could develop half the patience she has...
I am interested in checking out the other books she wrote that were more practically based as opposed to just her personal story.
Read
November 2, 2009I read this book at a spiritual turning point in my life and it ministered to me, especially the first half. At the latter end of the book I felt a disconnect and didn't really enjoy it. It seemed that her walk with God caused her to withdraw from life, the care of her children etc. and I don't believe that is what God wants from us at all. However, I did learn important lessons on submission and obedience to God and constant communion with Him that correlates directly with the scripture. Those things I can embrace and apply.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews