de Caussade, Jean Pierre
He was one of the most remarkable spiritual writers among the Jesuits in France in the 18th Century, whose works have gone through many editions and been translated into several foreign languages. The English translation here is of the tenth French Edition of de Caussade's Abandon a la Providence Divine and treats of Abandonment to Divine Providence as a virtue for all Christians, and also as a state to be reached by souls who have made a special quest of this virtue.
De Caussade's "Abandonment" is a trusting, childlike, peaceful handing-over of oneself to the guidance of grace, and of the Holy Spirit: an unquestioning and undoubting submission to the holy will of God in all things that may befall us, be they due to the action of man, or to the direct permission of God. His work must be read with a certain amount of discretion, as naturally every advice he gives does not apply to all readers indiscriminately. No one, however, can fail to recognise in his writings the sure tone of a "Master," who has united practical to theoretical knowledge of his subject.
The English word "Abandonment " does not adequately render the active meaning of the French word "Abandon," but we have no better expression. It is an invitation to follow the hidden paths of the spiritual life, and to surrender themselves entirely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.