Classics

The volume contains a complete new translation of Sacred Meditations, a highly influential devotional text written by Johann Gerhard (1582-1637) the most prominent Lutheran theologian of the Age of Orthodoxy as well as an excerpt from one of his later books, which instructs readers in the practice of meditation. In addition, there are excerpts from Heinrich Müller (1631-1675) and Christian Scriver (1629-1693), spiritual reformers who influenced the reshaping of spiritual focus that took place between the late Reformation and the rise of Lutheran Pietism. Müller s meditations, drawn from his sermons, are sometimes provocative and always lively. Scriver s meditations are an example of the genre of emblem literature. They colorfully describe scenes or stories in order to advance a moral or spiritual message. Several of these texts are translated here into English for the first time.
Lutheran hymns constituted some of the most notable examples of German poetry during the seventeenth century. This selection of religious lyrics, from eleven different authors, reveals the full range of sentiments found within early Lutheranism. Many of these hymns continue to be used for Lutheran worship down to the present day.

Jeanne Guyon was a seventeenth-century French mystic and Quietist, and a fascinating figure in the court of Louis XIV. Marginalized and ignored by French historians for two centuries after her death, her spiritual writings have nonetheless remained consistently popular among English-speaking audiences. Guyon had a strong influence among Quakers and Methodists in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and her message of self-abnegation and the complete abandonment of individual desires in conformity to God s will continues to inspire many Christians today.
This volume offers new, contemporary translations of her most important spiritual writings, including her Short and Easy Method of Prayer and her Commentary on the Song of Songs, never-before-translated letters of spiritual direction, and selections from her autobiography. The most comprehensive introduction to Guyon s life, theology, and historical context available in English examines Guyon s life and historical context, focusing on the religious and political conflicts responsible for her persecution and eventual imprisonment in the dreaded Bastille and examining her spiritual influences and theological contributions.

The first English translation of Bede s allegorical commentary On the Song Songs, along with selections from his homilies and the Ecclesiastical History, an introduction to his spirituality, and notes.

An unabridged translation into modern English from the critical edition, of one of the classic texts of the Quietist movement, Spiritual Guide of Miguel de Molinos (c. 1628-1696), who was one of the most important figures in the religious controversy known as Quietism.

Sensuous,spiritual, and ethereal, this selection of works by the prominent Andalusian Sufi mystic and poet Ab al-Hasan al-Shushtar (1212-1269) will delight everyone, whether or not they are devotees of Islamic literature.

An anthology that includes writings by the magisterial reformers (Luther, Melanchthon, Calvin, etc.) along with lesser-known names (Frith, Capito, Vermigli, etc.) to provide a unique insight into Protestant spirituality as it developed from the earliest days of the Reformation.

In this Classic of Western Spirituality™ readers will find the first English translation of the complete works of Elisabeth of Schönau, a twelfth-century Benedictine nun who claimed to have a series of extraordinary visionary experiences. The complete works of Elisabeth include: three visionary diaries; a book of sermons, the Book of the Ways of God; Revelations about the Sacred Company of the Virgins of Cologne; the Resurrection of the Blessed Virgin; a collection of Elisabeth's letters; and a text describing Elisabeth's last days by her brother and secretary, Eckbert.

Elisabeth's prophetic message brought consolation to the people of her day and a call for firmness of faith and the moral life. Today's readers will gain insight into how the communal, liturgical culture of a Benedictine monastery could shape the interior life and prophetic identity of a woman committed to its ideals.

The audience for this book will include historians, theologians and students of: mysticism and spirituality; women's religious life; monastic life; medieval culture; and hagiography.