Customer Reviews

The Power of the Spirit

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a modernized, edited version of Law's work entitled "An Humble, Earnest, and Affectionate Address to the Clergy," published in 1761. In the introduction, Dave Hunt notes that Dr. Andrew Murray brought it back into print in 1896 under the present title (The Power of the Spirit) because he didn't "know where to find anywhere else the same clear and powerful statement of the truth which the Church needs at the present day." Murray also said: "I have tried to read or consult every book I knew of that treats of the work of the Holy Spirit, and nowhere have I met with anything that brings the truth of our dependence upon the continual leading of the Spirit, and the assurance that that leading can be enjoyed without interruption, so home to the heart as the teaching of the present volume." This is quite a statement! Nonetheless, Hunt does note that, like Murray, he doesn't agree with all of Law's teachings (considering his entire writings) although he and Murray do believe that the message of this book on the Holy Spirit is soundly based upon Scripture. William Law was a Protestant mystic who delved into many of the classics of Christian mysticism and eventually developed a particular interest in the Protestant mystic Jacob Boehme and later became known as one of his most prominent disciples. Law is best known for his classic "A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life" which was treasured by such notables as John Wesley, George Whitefield, Samuel Johnson, and later, C. S. Lewis. An unedited version of this classic, along with his work "The Spirit of Love", is available in the Paulist Press series entitled "The Classics of Western Spirituality." Dave Hunt notes that although his edited version of Law's "Address to the Clergy" was taken primarily from Murray's edition, he has drawn upon several of Law's other books, including the afore mentioned classic. Since I own the complete works of William Law, I had the privilege of comparing Hunt's version to the original. There are definitely some notable changes and editing although I think it is safe to say that the heart of Law's book is certainly present in this edited, modern version which certainly is easier to read.

Law's emphasis is on the dynamic power of the Spirit in contrast to the stagnant, intellectualism that he found prevalent in his day (and which is, in certain circles, prominent today). It is not enough to be doctrinally correct, to have skill in Greek and Hebrew, to belong to this or that denomination. One must have a living relationship with God through His Spirit which defines what it means to have everlasting life. This life is not defined by a past experience, but a present and ongoing personal walk with God which produces fruits of righteousness. There is no place for Self in this spiritual walk, this divine-human relationship, which is defined as a submissive obedience to the Spirit's guidance. The contrast between Self and the Spirit, the natural and the supernatural, is prominent in this book. I must also add that Law's immersion in the Christian classics, including those penned by so-called mystics, is notable as well. Take this from one who has read many of them. Although I too don't agree with everything that Law wrote, I certainly enjoyed reading this work both in the original and in this easy-to-read and edited format. Highly recommended!

Brothers and Sisters, William Law showed that the Spirit of God dwelled in him by writing this book. It is the most challenging and convincing (and extremely simple) book on the Holy Spirit I have read...ever. I have read hundreds and hundreds of books in my lifetime...none has impacted me to this point as much as this one. Are you tired of struggling with sin? Do you long for the life Jesus wants you to live...that you KNOW is out there somewhere...but that you have been unable to attain? Are you tired of the superficial explanations of the Holy Spirit...that see the Spirit only as an emotional spark or the source of tongues and charisma? Do you want to see the Bible for what it really is....the map pointing us to Jesus and guidance by the Spirit? READ THIS BOOK. PLEASE. I beg you as a fellow believer...this book NEEDS to be read. It will blast a hole in your preconceptions of the Holy Spirit and your apathy of spirit. IT DID MINE. I cannot stress enough...I have no ulterior motive...please read this book. I believe it to be from God through a humble instrument of his during the 18th century, a believer who really walked in the Spirit, William Law. it's a shame I could only give it 5 stars!

Without a doubt one of the best written works on the Holy Spirit. William Law was a man who had a profound influence in the Lives of the men of the 1700 Revival (John Westley, Charles Westley and George Whitfield.) If you want to know why, read this book, "touch and see" for yourself what it means to be led by the Spirit of God and find out what it realy means to be Born from above and experience what William and others called the "new birth."

This is one of those rarest of books. For those with understanding the words leap from the page into your mind and become fire.

This was my first real experience in reading a book by William Law. I found it very moving, very insightful, and along the same lines as the great writers of the past- Andrew Murray, A.W. Tozer, etc. Since purchasing this book I have bought several more by William Law.

This book is all about how important the Holy Spirit is in the believer's life and the life of the Church. I believe it is the #1 thing that is missing from the Church today. It is why we do not see much happening in the Church today. The Holy Spirit will exalt Christ in our lives, and the Holy Spirit will guide us into all things that our Heavenly Father desires for our lives. Without the Holy Spirit, we are powerless to do all that God wants and desires in our lives and in our Church.

I haven't read the other reviews because I didn't want to be influenced by them. This man was a significant influence on Wesley (prior to his conversion) as well as Whitfield and some time later impacted the life of Charles Finney.

Here's a few quotes in the Chapter on revival: "Seek no revival through reformation of creeds, dogmas, and outward religious forms."

"Everything short of a new heart and new spirit in and through the power of Christ dwelling vitally in a new man may be fully shown to be self-delusion and self-destruction."

"Let God have but a few who will walk in the Spirit and demonstration of a full salvation and revival has begun."

"Until your faith and submission to the Holy Spirit are a practical demonstration in dailly living of the life of Christ manifest through you, there is little purpose in agonizing for revival in the lives of others."

"The only fruitful minister will be he who himself stands in a full dependence on the Spirit of God, as having no good power in himself, yet having proven the triumph of the cross over self and sin in his own life."

I would strongly encourage you to read this book. Law's works also heavily influenced Andrew Murray as well. In short, this man knew Jesus and it's evident from his writings.

When I bought this I thought it was going to be simply a modernized version of Andrew Murray's edition. I now find that Dave Hunt "draws upon several of Law's other books, including his well-known "A Serious Call...".

When I buy a book, I don't need the editors idea of "improving" it. I want the book as it was written. I would not buy this book again regardless of how "good" it is because it isn't authentic. Very unhappy. (I've read "A Serious Call" and loved it.) If anyone can tell me of a legitimate copy of this book I would appreciate it.

This book is for those whom God has blessed with "eyes to see". I have purchased and given away many copies to people who have been "born again" {or think they are}, and most comment - "I don't understand it". They can't see.

William Law was considered the greatest spiritual and literary man of his time. He was admired by all the great evangelicals of that era. UNTIL HE WROTE BOOKS LIKE THIS. He had stepped into a higher realm after seven years of studying the writings of Jacob Boehme.

Law states "Regeneration is something entirely distinct, from this first sudden Conversion, or Call to Repentance; ... it is not a Thing done in an Instant, but is a certain Process, a gradual Release from our Captivity and Disorder, consisting of several Stages and Degrees, both of Death and Life, which the Soul must go through, before it can have thoroughly put off the old Man."

He says that only the spiritual Christian can understand the scriptures because they were written by men who were "In the Spirit".

And so the carnal Christian CANNOT comprehend it.

The famous scripture "Behold, I stand at the door and knock" was not written to non believers - it was written to the church in Laodicea.

But for those who can see - this book is a must have. After thirty years and countless books that I have read, trying to find a witness to what I new to be true, the later works of William Law have ended my search.

This book is by far the best modern presentation of what real Christianity is - Christ living His life through you. {Gal 2:20}

To the majority of my Brothers and Sisters in the Lord who think they know - I thought I knew - now I do - thank you Lord for William Law.

Excellent book, very powerful! The discussion of how the Holy Spirit manifests himself though the life of a believer provides conviction for the heart and instruction for the mind. Every Christ follower should read.

This is an amazing book that describes exactly what the Christian life is all about. If every Christian could only learn what is on these pages, we would be a very different Church here on earth. The only downside to this book is that it spends a lot of time debating against what seems to be people who were teaching against the need for the Spirit at all. These people are no longer around, but the arguments against them are still useful, just not as needed as they were then. Overall a wonderful book.