The Elements of the Spiritual Life: A Study in Ascetical Theology - Paperback

by F. P. Harton (Author), Mark Carpenter-Garnier (Introduction by)

My aim in writing this book has been to give to my brethren of the Anglican Communion what we do not at present possess, a comprehensive study of the Christian spiritual life. The need of such a work is becoming increasingly clear; there are signs in many quarters of a real desire for the spiritual life, and priests are beginning to discover the vital and practical importance of a knowledge of ascetical theology. . . . The plan of the book is simple. Part I deals with the action of God in the soul by grace; Part II with the human resistance to the divine will and the means whereby that resistance may be overcome; Part III is a brief outline of the divine economy of the sacraments; Part IV is concerned with the life of prayer, and in Part V we consider the end of the spiritual life and the ways by which that end may be reached, concluding with a chapter on the guidance of souls with some consideration of the qualities of the ideal director. --from the Preface

Author Biography

Frederic Percy Harton (1889-1958) was Dean of Wells (England). He is also the author of 'The Faith that Abides, ' 'Life in Christ, 'The Mystery of the Cross, ' 'Notes on Mental Prayer, ' and 'The Pictorial History of Wells Cathedra