Abandonment

to

Divine Providence

by

THE REV. J. P. DE CAUSSADE, S.J.

edited by the rev. j. ramiere, s.j.

introduction by dom arnold, o.s.b.

THIRD ENGLISH EDITION

From the Tenth Complete French Edition

by

e. j. strickland

The Catholic Records Press, Exeter

Agent for America

B. HERDER BOOK COMPANY

15 & 17 south broadway

st. louis. mo.

DEDICATED TO ST. JOSEPH

“the one chosen shadow of God upon earth.”—Fr. Faber.

“Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent,

and hast revealed them to little ones.

Yea Father, for so hath it seemed good in thy sight.”

Matt. 11:25, 26.

INTRODUCTION

The Rev. Jean Pierre de Caussade was one of the most remarkable spiritual writers of the Society of Jesus in France in the 18th Century. His death took place at Toulouse in 1751. His works have gone through many editions and have been republished, and translated into several foreign languages.

The present book gives an English translation of the tenth French Edition of Fr. de Caussade’s “Abandon à la Providence Divine,” edited, to the great benefit of many souls, by Fr. H. Ramière, S.J.

A portion of this remarkable work in English has already appeared in America, but many readers, to whom this precious little book has become a favourite, will welcome a complete translation, especially as what has already appeared in the English version may be considered as merely the theoretical part, whilst the “Letters of Direction” which form the greater portion of the present work give the practical part. They answer objections, solve difficulties, and give practical advice. The book thus gains considerably in value and utility.

It is divided into two unequal parts, the first containing a treatise on total abandonment to Divine Providence, and the second, letters of direction for persons leading a spiritual life.

The “Treatise” comprises two different aspects of Abandonment to Divine Providence; one as a virtue, common and necessary to all Christians, the other as a state, proper to souls who have made a special practice of abandonment to the holy will of God.

The “Letters of Direction,” now for the first time translated into English, were addressed to Nuns of the Visitation at Nancy. Fr. de Caussade had been stationed in this town for some time, and when later he was called away, his letters to the Nuns carried on the powerful influence he had exercised over them. They were treasured and preserved with religious care, and thus have come down to our own days. Fr. de Ramière, S.J., collected these letters, and edited them with painstaking labour.

These “Spiritual Letters” are completely suited to the present time; Catholic spiritual life being ever the same, there is nothing in them which might require alteration or revision. Directors of souls will find them an answer to the daily and constantly recurring difficulties and trials of the interior life, from the initial difficulties of beginners to the hidden trials of souls of great sanctity. Whilst the “Letters,” from the fact that ...