Abandonment; or, Absolute Surrender to Divine Providence

by Jean Pierre de Caussade

"Abandonment; or, Absolute Surrender to Divine Providence" by Jean Pierre de Caussade is a spiritual treatise written in the late 19th century. The text seeks to explore the profound virtue of self-abandonment to God's will, emphasizing its essential role in achieving sanctity. De Caussade’s insights address the common struggles of believers to trust in divine providence amidst the trials of life. The opening of the work introduces the idea that true holiness comes from recognizing and submitting to God's divine order in every moment. It discusses the dangers of misunderstanding the virtue of abandonment and highlights its historical context, noting how misinterpretations in the past, particularly during the Quietist controversy, have led to errors in spiritual practice. Through various principles, the text asserts that everything that occurs—both joyful and painful—is a manifestation of God’s will, and thus should be embraced with loving acceptance. De Caussade lays a foundational understanding that through total surrender to God's design, believers can find peace and fulfillment in their spiritual journey.