Author’s Preface

This little treatise, conceived in great simplicity, was not originally intended for publication; it was written for a few individuals who were desirous of loving God with their whole heart—some of whom, because of the profit they received in reading the manuscript, wished to obtain copies of it; on this account alone it was committed to the press.

It still remains in its original simplicity, without any censure of the various leading of others by the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of Souls, and we submit the whole to the judgment of those who are skilled and experienced in divine matters, requesting them, however, not to be stopped by externals, but to penetrate into the main design of the author, which is to persuade everyone to love God and serve Him more happily and effectually. James 1:24-25. It is written in a simple and easy manner, adapted for those who are unqualified for learned and deep research and not capable of matters of high theology, but who wish above all to be truly devoted to God. We plead with those who read the book to do so without prejudice; then they will discover in quite ordinary expressions a secret unction, which will excite them to seek after that Good which all should wish to possess. We use the word “ease” concerning the attainment of perfection, saying that the way to perfection is easy, because God is, indeed, found with ease when we seek Him within ourselves. But, in contradiction to this, some might use that passage in John 7:34, “You will seek Me, and not find Me.” This apparent difficulty is resolved by another passage where He who cannot contradict Himself has said to all, “Seek, and you will find.” Matthew 7:7. It is true, indeed, that he who would seek God and is yet unwilling to forsake his sin, shall not find Him, because he seeks where He is not; therefore it is added, “You will die in your sins.” John 8:24. On the other hand, he who diligently seeks God in his heart and forsakes his sin, that he may draw near to Him sincerely, shall surely find Him. For many people, a life of devotion appears formidable, and the spirit of prayer so difficult to attain, that they are discouraged from taking a single step toward it. But making a matter seem difficult tends to cause despair of ever succeeding, taking away any inclination to begin. On the other hand, depicting it as beneficial and easy to obtain inclines one to devote oneself to the cause with pleasure and follow it up with courage. I therefore felt bound to show the merit and ease of this way of prayer. We have therefore endeavored to show the ease of the method proposed in this treatise, the great advantages to be derived from it, and the certainty of their attainment by those who faithfully persevere.

Oh, that we were truly aware of the goodness of God toward His poor creatures, and of His infinite desire to communicate Himself unto them; then we would not make for ourselves imaginary difficulties, nor despair of obtaining that good which He is so eager to bestow. “He who spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32. Surely so! It is only earnestness and perseverance we lack. We have them abundantly in the little affairs of this life, but lack them in “the one thing that is needed.” Luke 10:42.

If any find it hard to believe that God is easily found in this way, let them not on my testimony alter their opinion, but rather put the method to the test. Their own experience will convince them that the reality far exceeds all my representation of it.

Beloved reader, read this little work with a humble and sincere attitude and a childlike spirit, and not with an inclination to judge and criticize; and you will see that you will reap some good from it. It was written with a heartfelt desire to bring you unreservedly to God. Receive it, then, in the spirit in which it is given; for nothing more is intended by it than to invite the simple and the childlike to approach their Father, who delights in the humble confidence of His children and is grieved at the smallest suggestion of their distrust. Seek nothing but the love of God and desire your own salvation and you shall surely find it by following this method.

Without setting up our opinion above that of others, we set forth sincerely the experience we have had, both in our own case and in that of others, of the advantages which follow this simple and natural method of coming to God.

As this treatise was intended only to instruct in prayer, many things, which we highly esteem, have been totally omitted, as not concerned with our main subject. It is certain, however, that nothing will be found herein to offend, provided it be read in the spirit in which it was written; and it is still more certain that those who in all earnestness try this way will testify to its truth.

It is You alone, O holy child Jesus, who love simplicity and innocence, “and whose delight is to dwell with the children of men,” (Proverbs 8:31), with those who are indeed willing to become “little children.” Matthew 18:3. You alone can give success and true worth to this little book! Imprint it then on the hearts of all who read it, and lead them to seek You within themselves, where You repose as in the cradle, waiting to receive tokens of their love, and to give testimonies of Yours! They deprive themselves of these good things by their own fault and negligence. It is Thy work, O God-child! O love uncreated! O thou silent Word! It is Your work to make Yourself to be loved, experienced and heard. You can do it; and I dare to say that You will, even by this little work which is wholly unto You, and from You, and through You.

“To You be all the Glory.”