Stepping Heavenward

I have an hour to call my own, and so many things to do. Well, at least one of those things is writing a little bit here, so let me make a start at that anyway. :-)

Tari recommended to me, Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss.

I was prepared to say something nice to her about it after I'd read it. I was not prepared to be utterly floored by it, and reduced to tears countless times. I don't believe there's a single book of doctrine or Christian experience on any of my shelves that could not be profitably replaced by this thin little story of Katherine Mortimer. Every element of life and of Christian life is captured in little Katherine's journal. Every tear, joy and disappointment rang true for me, and most of all her constant disappointment with herself.

There are so many levels at which I recommend Mrs Prentiss' book (here or here or elsewhere. The version I read was unabridged, but with a bazillion typos.) to you - now. First, it warmed my heart to read a real Puritan's advice on life. The Puritans receive such a horrific rap in our culture. They were beautiful people with a joyful, vibrant love for Christ Himself. Mrs. Prentiss writes with all the beauty and passion of these dear Christians. Second, every pain the young Miss Mortimer experiences on up through the end of the book is so intense and real. I know those pains. I know those mistakes. I envied her the joys of having escaped some of the pits that swallowed me, and joined her in rejoicing at the salvation of the Lord that came to us both. Third, you have questions about the Christian life. You do. You will find all of them asked and lived through in this book. You won't find answers, but you'll find someone who went there with you and with Him.

Seriously, there should not be a Christian of any age who has not read this book, and read it recently. I will be buying handfuls and giving them away.

May the Lord bless you by it.