A Testament of Devotion [Paperback]

Thomas R. Kelly (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 2, 1996

Since its first publication in 1941, A Testament of Devotion, by the renowned Quaker teacher Thomas Kelly, has been universally embraced as a truly enduring spiritual classic. Plainspoken and deeply inspirational, it gathers together five compelling essays that urge us to center our lives on God's presence, to find quiet and stillness within modern life, and to discover the deeply satisfying and lasting peace of the inner spiritual journey. As relevant today as it was a half-century ago, A Testament of Devotion is the ideal companion to that highest of all human arts-the lifelong conversation between God and his creatures.

I have in mind something deeper than the simplification of our external programs, our absurdly crowded calendars of appointments through which so many pantingly and frantically gasp. These do become simplified in holy obedience, and the poise and peace we have been missing can really be found. But there is a deeper, an internal simplification of the whole of one's personality, stilled, tranquil, in childlike trust listening ever to Eternity's whisper, walking with a smile into the dark."

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Among the few great and undying books of devotion" (Christian Century)--now re-edited and featuring a new introduction by Richard Foster. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Thomas R. Kelly (1893-1941) was a Quaker missionary, educator, speaker, writer, and scholar.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; Reprint edition (August 2, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060643617
• ISBN-13: 978-0060643614
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.4 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,571 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Still Mining the Gold from This Little Book February 18, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I've read a lot of Christian books by such authors as Augustine, Aquinas, Brother Lawrence, Pascal, Caussade, Teresa of Avila, Dostoevsky, Lewis, Tozer, Sproul, Geisler, Willard, Foster, and many more... but I'm drawn back to this little book above them all. I've come to appreciate the paradox of "nothing matters; everything matters." As Kelly said, God "gives us the royal blindness of faith, and the seeing eye of the sensitized soul, and the grace of unflinching obedience. Then we see that nothing matters, and that everything matters, and that this my task matters for me and for my fellow men and for Eternity. And if we be utterly humble we may be given the strength to be obedient even unto death, yea the death of the Cross." My goal is to write a devotional, theological book to compare to it. I am not yet up to the task. I have many notes from my many readings, but first I must make God's presence and will the deepest realities in my life as they obviously were in Kelly's. I have the head knowledge, but lack the deepest heart's passion and abandonment to divine breathings that are required to pen a masterpiece. I've learned from Kelly that it is more important that I live as God's masterpiece than pen one myself. As Kelly said, "practice comes first in religion, not theory or dogma."

One correction to my earlier review: Kelly discussed the paradox of "nothing matters; everything matters" with a Hindu monk, not a Buddhist one.

In closing, I'm somewhat surprised to find that Kelly's book is not as popular as it deserves to be. But, then again, I'm not. - Brad Clark

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Quaker Spirituality May 30, 2005

By Quaker Annie

Format:Paperback

If you are interested in Quaker mysticism, please read this book, the thoughts of a 20th century Quaker mystic and teacher.

Thomas Kelly lived briefly - reading this work brings the reader close to Kelly's experiential relationships with the Divine.

There was not enough writing left behind - this is a treasure. A book for meditation and reading, Kelly's words have a way of bringing the Light to the dedicated reader.

I really love this book and don't know how to express that without sounding trivial. It can take your breath away, bring you to joyful tears and encourage your seeking.

Blessings.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Some materials from first edition are not included in this volume April 1, 2011

By Carol006

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I purchased Thomas Kelly's TESTAMENT OF DEVOTION with an Introduction by Richard Foster (1992, ISBN 0-06-064212-2) after recently reading the 1941 (First printing) edition in my parish library. I happened to have both copies at hand when I began reading the newer edition, and I noticed a number of sentences were missing in the chapter on the Eternal Now, some of which have to do with Mr. Kelly's views of Quakerism, which perhaps the editors of the later volume thought were antiquated. On closer examination, I realized that something more was missing: a lengthy passage from pages 94-96 in the original volume. In this passage, Kelly describes the experience of the NOW with such eloquence that it is inconceivable to me how it could have been cut. The dustjacket for the 1992 edition notes that it has been "updated and edited for today's readers" and that it "retains all the warmth and wisdom of Thomas Kelly's thought." Not quite. I appreciate the updating of the language, but not the elimination of some of the book's most precious mystical content.