Inward Divine Guidance

The subject of inward divine guidance is one of the deepest interest to every child of God. We all feel our need of it in our journey through this bewildering world, and we all hunger after it with great desire, But there seem to many honest and devout souls to be great difficulties connected with the whole subject; and some who have been the Most earnest in seeking to find this guidance, have been led very far astray into manifest delusion and fanaticism. There is evidently a great need for clear and healthy teaching in regard to a matter that is so vital to the welfare of Christians; and one would have expected to have found abundance of such teaching in the voluminous religious writings of the day. But strange to say this is not the case. Not long ago, in my desire to help some one who seemed in danger of going astray, I tried to find a book or tract that would state the subject in a safe and helpful way, never doubting but that I should find what I wanted at the first religious book store I entered. But to my surprise it was nowhere to be found; and neither did any religious teachers whom I met seem able to direct me to anything that would meet the need.

It is useless to say that in this search I did not recollect myself, nor did any one recall to my mind the fact that Upham had written the admirable treatise on the subject which is reprinted in this little volume. Somehow it seemed to have been largely lost sight of among his larger works; and I feel, therefore, very thankful that it is to be again republished and brought to the notice of the church at the present time, when its teaching will, I am persuaded, be of inestimable value to all who seek to know for themselves the inward guidance of the Holy Spirit, as a practical and daily experience.

I have read it afresh with the deepest interest, and believe that nowhere can there be found a clearer or fuller statement of the whole subject in all its bearings tells us concerning the blessedness of hearing and obeying the still small inspeaking voice of God in our souls, and at the same time it warns us of the temptations and dangers that will be likely to beset us. No one need fear delusion or fanaticism who follows the teachings of this book, and neither can such fail to be led into a more intimate communion with Him. I trust it may have a wide circulation and may be used by the Lord to lead many honest seekers after truth into paths of peace and safety.

Hannah Whitall Smith