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Review — Some
Fruits of Solitude |
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by William Penn, edited into today's English by Eric K. Taylor
Published by: Herald Press
Review by Tom Gilbert
For a book written in the late seventeenth century it is quite extraordinary
how pertinent many of William Penn’s “Fruits of Solitude” are for us today.
Or maybe it’s not so extraordinary. The timeless topics are the same that
humanity has struggled with through the ages: pride, ignorance, indulgence,
complaining, self-control and a number of other issues.
This newly edited release of a classic by one of the Quaker’s most
thoughtful practitioners is an important read. Unfortunately we read far
too few of the “classics”. The main stumbling
block we might throw out is that the language is difficult
and old. That troublesome excuse is neatly eliminated with Eric Taylor’s
translation. He puts the fine prose into modern English, but with careful
accuracy. As an example, in the original text Penn writes
on CENSORIOUSNESS:
“ We are apt to be very pert at censuring others,
where we will not endure advice our selves. And nothing
shews our Weakness more than to be so sharp-sighted at
spying other Men's Faults, and so purblind about our own.”
Taylor translates this in to a much more understandable:
“We tend to be very quick about finding faults
in others, though we do not tolerate advice ourselves.
Nothing shows our weakness more than to be so
sharp-sighted at spotting others’ faults, and so
short-sighted about our own.”
He also changes the
section to the title FAULT FINDING.
A brief historical introduction to Penn and his life is
included and helps put the writing into context.
Taylor also includes 100 footnotes that identify
and explain Penn’s Biblical allusions.
William Penn was born into favor and had much better living means than many of
the struggling people in England of his day. Yet, he used his wealth and influence
for the betterment of his fellows. He wasn’t always a Quaker, but was introduced to it in his
adult life. If you think the practice of quiet faith and true pacifism would be a difficult path today,
imagine what a challenge it was in the 1600’s!
Eventually Penn ended up in the “New World” to pursue a life
of freedom that allowed for religious worship free from
the dictates of a monarchy. The belief that he named
Pennsylvania after himself (it was after his father and
the actual name was insisted on by King Charles II, not
Penn) is one of the many mistaken notions about him.
Penn was often imprisoned for his beliefs. At one point
he was forced into hiding for a three year period due
to false accusations of treason. During this period
he had a lot of time to think, reflect and write. “Some Fruits
of Solitude” was
the result.
Reading this newly edited “Some Fruits of Solitude” often brought to mind the keen insight of
another Englishman, Oswald Chambers. That fine preacher has many a timely message for us today,
too, with his classic “My Utmost for His Highest” and the popularity of that devotional has also
been furthered by a modern translation. It may be that Eric Taylor’s editing will do the same for William Penn’s writing.
Excerpts:
Order
“All of the family members should know what is expected of them; and there should be a time and
place for everything. And whatever else you do or leave out, be sure to begin and end with God. ”
Pride
“We want others, even our equals, to obey us, but we will not obey God who made us and is so far
above us.”
Ignorance
“It is amazing how many millions come into the world and go out of it again, still ignorant
of themselves and the world they live in.”
Right Marriage
“If love is not your chief motive, you will soon grow weary of marriage and stray from your promise,
seeking pleasure in forbidden places”
“Love and lust have different sources and so have different natures: the one is inward, deep, and enduring;
the other superficial and fleeting.”
Guidelines for Conversation
“If you think twice before you speak once, you will speak twice
as well.”
Truth-Seeking
“Investigating and questioning is human; blind obedience is
animal-like. Truth never loses by the former, but it often suffers
from the latter.”
It shouldn’t be surprising that these wise sayings contain
so much benefit for us today. Penn took his inspiration from the Bible
and God’s Truth is always timely and appropriate.
To purchase the newly updated classic
"Some Fruits of Solitude" by William Penn and edited by Eric K. Taylor
go here.
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Scripture
taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights
reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of
International Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks
of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for the offering
of goods or services requires the prior written consent of International
Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All rights
reserved. |
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