Hannah Whitall Smith wrote The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life in 1875, originally as an article for her husband's magazine. The book subsequently became a worldwide bestseller that has influenced generations of readers.
In the preface she explains, "This is not a theological book. I frankly confess that I have not been trained in theological schools and do not understand their methods nor their terms. But the Lord has taught me experientially and practically certain lessons out of his Word, which have greatly helped me in my Christian life, and have made it a very happy one. And I want to tell my secret, in the best way I can, in order that some others may be helped into a happy life also."
This classic devotional offers practical advice and a powerful message. Relating to audiences on a personal level, it invites listeners to live full, blessed lives.
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"A real gem of a book. This was originally written as a magazine article, but was such a success, it was printed into book form. Small enough to carry in your purse, with the kind of wisdom that will suprise you. "
— Betsy (5 out of 5 stars)
“One of the most inspiring and influential books we have ever read.”
— Dale Evans and Roy Rogers“This work...has never ceased to be in demand and [is] a classic in religious literature.”
— Chautauquan, 1893" This book started off good, then died after a few chapters. Finishing it was long and excruciating. I don't recommend it. "
— Thomas, 2/11/2014" A Christian classic. Practical and inspirational -- and simply explained. Filled with wisdom and insight. It's one I will reread. "
— Jennifer, 2/10/2014" This book changed my life! "
— Cathy, 2/8/2014" after the build-up I got for this book I was kinda disappointed. I think there are better in the same genre, like Celebration of Discipline or Normal Christian Life "
— Jeremy, 2/2/2014" remember liking it... but the book is unfortunately forgettable. don't remember a thing from it. "
— Charlotte, 1/28/2014" Very meaty and on point. "
— Mickeyfogs, 1/25/2014" Much spiritual wisdom in living the "Christian" life moment-to-moment in this classic. I had to read is slowly to take it in and reflect as I went. "
— Madoline, 1/16/2014" Too basic to finish reading. It might be good for a new Christian who struggles with the foundational issues of Christianity. "
— Emily, 1/9/2014" A wonderful book about really makes a Christian happy. "
— Margaret, 1/6/2014" This book is a classic! It reminds me of C. S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity" and challenges the reader to trust in God and to discover the true secrets to happiness. I LOVE THIS BOOK!! "
— Carol, 1/5/2014" One of my top 10 books I've ever read! The most amazing part is that it was written over a hundred years ago! "
— Candacefaulkner, 1/5/2014" It took me a long time to be ready to read this book, and it was a bit difficult due to some archaic language, but this is a classic and well worth reading. "
— Rebecca, 12/30/2013" Highly recommend. One of my favs "
— Becksf4, 12/26/2013" This book is not presented in a ten easy steps-type format, thank goodness. After a while that gets pretty tiring. This book is based directly from scripture and was written by a Quaker. "
— Audrey, 12/18/2013" An absolutely sweet and charming book written long ago, but still relevant today. A help to keep life simple in this hectic, complicated world. "
— Grandma, 12/6/2013" This woman from a century ago really knows her stuff. I can see why Dallas Willard was so influenced by this book. Very inspiring! "
— Glen, 11/11/2013" this is in my list of top 10 books. i'll always have a copy or two on my bookshelves. "
— Beckynovacek, 9/7/2013" This is one of two favorites this year. This would be a good book for young women to read. I am already looking forward to reading it again. "
— Lynda, 6/26/2013" Excellent inspiraational Book "
— Jodie, 6/19/2013" well I got it as an Audio Book, u know the kind u just listen to someone reading it out to ya as mp3 files.... "
— Rofhiwa, 5/25/2013" Fabulous read. It will sit next to Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship. "
— Jim, 4/19/2013" Read in 1993; I remember being quite impressed with the author's ideas. Would like to re-read it and see what I think of it now. "
— Katy, 1/5/2013" This was one of the best books I have ever read, besides the Bible! I could read it over and over again. It was first published in 1870. God used Hannah Whitall Smith to impart such wisdom through this book. "
— Lisa, 12/25/2012" Although I disagree with her "quietism" approach to Christian living (let go and let Jesus do it all), this remains a Christian classic. "
— Read1000books, 8/27/2012" One of those books I like to read once every few years to remind myself of some simple truth. "
— Maria, 8/22/2012" This book changed my life "
— Martha, 12/22/2011" Good, practical book on how to live a Christlike life. Shows will versus emotion, dying to self, surrender and trust. "
— Pete, 11/3/2011" a bit on the prosperity, "God will make you happy" side "
— Larry, 10/26/2011" Read this! (in spite of the title) "
— Josiah, 6/13/2011" Read this! (in spite of the title) "
— Josiah, 4/25/2011" Fabulous read. It will sit next to Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship. "
— Jim, 3/28/2011" This book started off good, then died after a few chapters. Finishing it was long and excruciating. I don't recommend it. "
— Thomas, 7/22/2010" Much spiritual wisdom in living the "Christian" life moment-to-moment in this classic. I had to read is slowly to take it in and reflect as I went. "
— Madoline, 1/24/2010" remember liking it... but the book is unfortunately forgettable. don't remember a thing from it. "
— charlotte, 1/10/2010" Highly recommend. One of my favs "
— Becksf4, 11/19/2009" Really great book. Make me ask myself, am I being a true Christian and am I doing things out of love, fear or duty? One I want to buy and read regularly. "
— Melanie, 10/15/2009" This woman from a century ago really knows her stuff. I can see why Dallas Willard was so influenced by this book. Very inspiring! "
— Glen, 7/11/2009" This book is a classic! It reminds me of C. S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity" and challenges the reader to trust in God and to discover the true secrets to happiness. I LOVE THIS BOOK!! "
— Carol, 3/25/2009" well I got it as an Audio Book, u know the kind u just listen to someone reading it out to ya as mp3 files.... "
— Rofhiwa, 11/18/2008" Too basic to finish reading. It might be good for a new Christian who struggles with the foundational issues of Christianity. "
— Emily, 11/4/2008" a bit on the prosperity, "God will make you happy" side "
— Larry, 9/24/2008" this is in my list of top 10 books. i'll always have a copy or two on my bookshelves. "
— Beckynovacek, 8/8/2008Hannah Whitall Smith was the spiritual mentor of many, including Catherine Marshall. Born into a Quaker family in Philadelphia in 1832, she grew up tirelessly investigating the religious life. She and her husband, Robert Pearsall Smith, emigrated to England where they became one of America’s most famous expatriate families. Their lay ministry was known as the Higher Life Movement.
Marguerite Gavin is a seasoned theater veteran, a five-time nominee for the prestigious Audie Award, and the winner of numerous AudioFile Earphones and Publishers Weekly awards. She has been an actor, director, and audiobook narrator for her entire professional career. With over four hundred titles to her credit, her narration spans nearly every genre, from nonfiction to mystery, science fiction, fantasy, romance, and children’s fiction. AudioFile magazine says, “Marguerite Gavin…has a sonorous voice, rich and full of emotion.”