The Life of God in the Soul of Man in Modern English

Book excerpt: Henry Scougal's, The Life of God in the Soul of Man, continues to provide the most accurate description of real Christianity. It also provides the reader with the differences between true Christianity and the many pretenders that have arisen over the centuries since its inception. That is one good reason this book, originally published in 1677, continues to sell. It is a must read for anyone who is serious about finding the narrow gate and walking the narrow path that leads to life. In this book, Scougal deals with topics such as: eternal life, born again, salvation, faith, loving God, experiencing God's presence, absolute surrender, finding peace with God, the nature of God, the character of God, God's grace, God's care for us, the sovereignty of God, power to live, abundant life, victory over sin, victory over the world, spiritual growth, developing a personal relationship with God, loving others, transformation, renewing the mind, obedience, holiness, pleasing God, doing God's will, worshipping God, real humility, real purity, effective prayer, meditation, false ideas about Christianity, the fallen nature, worldly vision vs eternal vision, worshipping in vain, surface religion vs internal religion, hypocrisy, and distinguishing between spirit, soul, and flesh. This book is recommended for establishing new believers in the faith and helping them grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is perfectly suited for discipleship, group study, and spiritual development courses. Scougal's book gives us an opportunity to look back into time at historical, classical Christianity. It is a monument in the advancement and improvement of the Protestant Reformation. Therefore, the reader can better distinguish the differences between the many errors in modern Christianity and Christianity prior to these modern deviations. God has used this book in bringing revivals. Charles Wesley and George Whitefield, who were instrumental during the Great Awakening, testified to the importance of this book in their own lives. Wesley gave Whitefield a copy of this book. For this reason, Whitefield's quote, "I never knew what real Christianity was until God sent me this excellent book" has adorned the covers of earlier printings. Readers familiar with the great works of Christian literature written in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries will recognize the influence this book had upon those authors. This book will prove to be very helpful to those who know the end time prophecies regarding the corruption, infiltration, and apostasy of organized religion. It will help them to set a course out of the slow fade and into personal revival. All these reasons make this book an invaluable asset to all who desire to grow in their relationship with God. The insights that Scougal penned regarding the deeper, more intimate walk with God will encourage new believers, the most devout saints, and everyone in between. And now there is even more reason for this book to remain popular. Words like adumbrate and inveigle have been replaced with everyday words. The original meanings of the many words and phrases that have changed with the passing of time have been raised from the dead. Now the average person can read and comprehend it without getting a migraine, or even dusting off an old dictionary. There is no longer any need to be reluctant to give this book to a friend or loved one due to the difficult language of the original. The reading is now smooth sailing. And yes, it will still amaze you with the depth of insight, incredible wisdom, and practical advice found in the original!