Abandonment to Divine Providence

God hides behind the simplest of daily activities; finding Him is a matter of total surrender to His will. That's the message of this eighteenth-century inspirational classic by a French Jesuit writer. The Reverend Jean-Pierre de Caussade (1675–1751) encouraged others to "live in the moment," accepting everyday obstacles with humility and love.
Caussade's counsel, which promises comfort and holiness to every soul with good will, has guided generations of seekers to spiritual peace. Some of his advice is particularly relevant to beginners; other teachings are geared to those possessing a more advanced degree of spirituality. All will recognize the voice of an authority, who combines practical and theoretical knowledge. Modern readers will find this volume a path to peace amid life's worries and anxieties.

BOOK I
On the virtue of abandonment to divine providence; its nature and excellence.
Chapter I
Sanctity consists in fidelity to the order of god, and in submission to all his operations.
I. The hidden operations of God
II. The hidden operations of God
III. The work of our sanctification
IV. In what perfection consists
V. The divine influence alone can sanctify us
VI. On the use of mental faculties
VII. On the attainment of peace
VIII. To estimate degrees of excellence
IX. Sanctity made easy
Chapter II
The divine action works unceasingly for the sanctification of souls.
I. The unceasing work of God
II. By faith the operation of God is recognised
III. How to discover what is the will of God
IV. The revelations of God
V. The action of Jesus Christ in the souls of men
VI. The treatment of the divine action
VII. The hidden work of divine love
VIII. Experimental Science
IX. The will of God in the present moment is the source of sanctity
X. God makes known His will through creatures
XI. Everything is supernaturalised by the divine action
XII. The divine word our model
BOOK II
Chapter I
On the nature and excellence of the state of abandonment.
I. The life of God in the soul
II. The most perfect way
III. Abandonment a pledge of predestination
IV. Abandonment a source of joy
V. The great merit of pure faith
VI. Submission a free gift to God
VII. Divine favours offered to all
VIII. God reigns in a pure heart
Chapter II
The duties of those souls called by God to the state of abandonment.
I. Sacrifice, the foundation of sanctity
II. The pains and consolations of abandonment
III. The different duties of abandonment
IV. God does all for a soul of goodwill
V. The common way for all souls
VI. The duty of the present moment the only rule
VII. Trust in the guidance of God
VIII. Great faith is necessary
Chapter III
The trials connected with the state of abandonment.
I. Unwise interference
II. Unjust judgments
III. Self-contempt
IV. Distrust of self
V. The life of faith
Chapter IV
Concerning the assistance rendered by the fatherly providence of God to those souls who have abandoned themselves to him.
I. Confidence in God
II. Diversity of grace
III. The generosity of God
IV. The most ordinary things are channels of grace
V. Nature and grace the instruments of God
VI. Supernatural prudence
VII. Conviction of weakness
VIII. Self-guidance a mistake
IX. Divine love, the principle of all good
X. We must see God in all His creatures
XI. The strength of simplicity
XII. The triumph of humility