Parables of the Christ-life

by I. Lilias Trotter

Parables of the Christ-life is a wonderful book - short but full of wonderful analogies regarding nature and the Christian life. It requires careful reading but it is worth the effort to hear the author's heart as she weaves her observations of nature with powerful spiritual truth. She reinforces the need for all Christians to "die so that we may live" and exalts Christ to the highest place. I. Lilias Trotter brings to light many amazing spiritual comparisons from wildlife. Readers are sure to be blessed by the style and priceless lessons that are numerous throughout this beautifully written book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian Living

52 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2008

About the author

Isabella Lilias Trotter was an artist, author, and a Christian missionary for over 38 years to the Muslims of Algeria.

Reviews

[Allyson Howell (Todd) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Lilias uses plants to write parables of what the gospel does in our hearts. Here's one of my favorite quotes:
“Nothin to glory in - God cannot get His whole glory while man gets any. That seems a truism, but do we realise the fact? ‘Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.’ If that is our one aim, as it was in the soul of Jesus, it is bound to be realised. Let Him work this in us too - this simple, absolute, absorbing passion of His years on earth.” (p.18)

[Lauren Fee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book meditatively and it was so inspiring. The imagery of death to self so that was is truly eternal, the "seed" of my soul can live is reiterated and explored so beautifully and helpfully. I narrated this book back essentially through written prayers and it nourished my soul. I plan to read again and again throughout my lifetime and am so thankful for how the Spirit so inspired Lilias Trotter through His creation.

[Sarah Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this is the fourth time I’ve read this little book. I first found Lilias Trotter due to Elisabeth Elliot quoting Parables of the Cross. I read that book first and loved it dearly—I can quote many portions of it since I’ve read it so much.

Parables of the Christ Life was not as easy to access at the time, but I was delighted when a friend gave it me as a gift. It came at just the right time!

This book is a treasure. Lilias’s illustrations of a dead barren field containing more life (seeds) than a green, young, vigorous plant are a beautiful picture to me of death working life. It has been an encouragement to me in suffering numerous times. And has changed how I see Winter.

Quick read—I generally read it in one setting. The facsimile edition is beautiful.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a short book that's easy to read! It's definitely a little different-no chapters and nothing super fancy. But you have to give this book a chance! It was a little hard for me to get into at first, but it had some truths that were just like "Wow". I had to put the book down and just absorb some of the things I was reading. On one hand it's so simple, yet it's also deep.

[J Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot about plants, flowers, seeds and how they grow and relating that to the Christian's life. Focused on Christ. It reminds me of some of the Puritan writings in its laser focus away from “me” and only on Christ.

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this online through the Gutenberg project.
Love the last line:
Christ--Christ--Christ--filling all the horizon. Everything in us: everything to us: everything through us. "To live is Christ."--Amen

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the copy I read was missing the illustrations it referred to and contained many punctuation and grammatical errors. This made a heavy book (as in topic not weight) difficult to read. At 24 pages this is not a quick read!

[ED FLORIAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book has just what I have been looking for for a long time!

Very simple but profound. An excellent introduction to Lilias Trotter! A shame this version does not contain the illustrations referred to in its content. But that this version is offered free on Amazon is wonderful!

[Lan Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

simple yet profound

So enjoyable and relatable as the author illustrates the truth
Of death to self and life from Christ. Highly recommend

[Jenny Herrera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to Parables of the Cross, but not quite as cohesive. I liked reading it, though.
--
"Christ the beginning, and the end is Christ." We saw how the soul's first step is to let Him in as its life: the last step, in a sense, can go no further. It is only that the apprehension of Him has increased, and the hindrances and limitings have been swept away.

Christ--Christ--Christ--filling all the horizon. Everything in us: everything to us: everything through us. "To live is Christ." Amen.

[Alegriatheory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never imagined that spiritual depths could be so clearly seen and understood observing the life cycle of a plant. Every little detail of a plant was designed by the same God who works the spiritual life within us. These are books to be read with no hurry and to peacefully meditate on.