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The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life

Hannah W Smith

Hannah Whitall Smith (1832-1911) was an American writer, preacher, and adovocate for social reform. She was born in Philadelphia, growing up in a wealthy Quaker family and marrying in 1851. Seven years later in a revival meeting she experienced a genuine conversion, after which she and her husband (Robert Pearsall Smith) became involved with the Plymouth Brethren and the Methodist "holiness movement" (rooted in the Wesleyan doctrine of entire sanctification and Christian perfection). The two preached throughout New England, and in Europe, organizing and attending holiness camps and meetings such as the Vineland Camp Meeting (1867) and the Keswick Convention (England, 1875); they were also a part of the National Holiness Association. Later in life, Hannah became actively involved in the Women's Christian Temperance Movement and in the Suffrage Movement, seeking to provide women with a greater voice and dignity in both the Church and in society.

A popular classic on the spiritual life, stemming out of the Christian Holiness Movement.

This book, originally published 1874-5 in her husband's magazine (The Christian's Pathway of Power), is Hannah Whitall Smith's best known and most influential work, having produced many printed editions and translations. She explains in the preface, that it is not a theological work (she did not consider herself a theologian), but rather a series of lessons based on personal experience and insight, in which she desires to "reach the absolute truth which lies at the foundation of all 'creeds' and 'views'". In this sense, the keyword of the title is apt – secret – the hope and truth within her which she longs to share. This "Higher Life", a life of holiness, of "inward rest and outward victory", is discussed over twenty-two chapters, beginning with a division ("God's side and man's side") based on the human condition, and ending in union with God through faith ("God with us").

Inspirational & Devotional

Deeper Spiritual Life