Conservative Friend

I have some extra time due to some health issues and I would love for Friends to recomend some good books to read that will help me pass the time.  Please tell me a little about a book you love and why.

Thanks

Thy Friend in Christ,

John.

Ernest Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls."  A succinct observation of good people doing evil things for reasons they think are good. Much food for thought in there. Much of Hemingway's work can be annoying, but he hit a strong thread in that one. "The Old Man and the Sea" is a little heavy-handed, too, but if you've ever been out on the Gulf in a boat it will speak to you.

"A Single Pebble" John Hersey. A lost world.

"The Star Thrower." Loren Eisley. Read anything by him you can find.

"From Eternity to Here"  author: Frank Viola, 305 pages.

From the back cover:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE SWEEPING STORY

OF GOD'S ETERNAL PLAN.

Deep within God's Word lies a wonderous story like no other.  A drama that originated before time began.  An epic saga that resonates with the heartbeat of God.  A story that reveals nothing less than the meaning of life and God's great mission in the earth.

From Eternity to Here presents three remarkable stories spanning Genesis to Revelation.  Each story traces a divine theme that is woven throughout the Scripture.  Seen together, they offer an extraordinary glimpse into God's highest passion and mission.  What you discover will forever change your view of life, the church, and our magnificent God.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For all Christians who are interested in Christ centered meeting together.  The author is not Quaker - however any Christian who takes the time to read it will be glad they did when finished.  It will make you truely think - and pray.

I hope that your health issue meets full recovery soon.

In Christ,

George

kevin at 06:51PM on Jan 21, 2010

Ernest Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls."  A succinct observation of good people doing evil things for reasons they think are good. Much food for thought in there. Much of Hemingway's work can be annoying, but he hit a strong thread in that one. "The Old Man and the Sea" is a little heavy-handed, too, but if you've ever been out on the Gulf in a boat it will speak to you.

 

"A Single Pebble" John Hersey. A lost world.

 

"The Star Thrower." Loren Eisley. Read anything by him you can find.

 

 

Thank you Friend Kevin.  I shall look into these. 

George at 06:23AM on Jan 22, 2010

"From Eternity to Here"  author: Frank Viola, 305 pages.

 

From the back cover:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE SWEEPING STORY

OF GOD'S ETERNAL PLAN.

Deep within God's Word lies a wonderous story like no other.  A drama that originated before time began.  An epic saga that resonates with the heartbeat of God.  A story that reveals nothing less than the meaning of life and God's great mission in the earth.

 

From Eternity to Here presents three remarkable stories spanning Genesis to Revelation.  Each story traces a divine theme that is woven throughout the Scripture.  Seen together, they offer an extraordinary glimpse into God's highest passion and mission.  What you discover will forever change your view of life, the church, and our magnificent God.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

For all Christians who are interested in Christ centered meeting together.  The author is not Quaker - however any Christian who takes the time to read it will be glad they did when finished.  It will make you truely think - and pray.

 

I hope that your health issue meets full recovery soon.

 

In Christ,

George

 

 

 

Thanks George,

My health may be aided by the new diet and taking better care of myself.  I am giving it my best and with the help of God, my wife, family and friends, I should be feeling much better soon.

Anything by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

Jenna at 07:17AM on Jan 27, 2010

Anything by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. 

Jenna and Friends,

Even though I'm Christ centered I believe that there is that of God in every person.  So, like Jenna I've found light in Buddhists teachings.  Is there a particular book by the Dalai Lama that you recommend Jenna?  Right now

I'm reading original and early Friends writings online and listening to audios 

on buddhanet.net.  I found Light from Gandhi at mkgandhi.org/momgandhi/ 

and mkgandhi-sarvodaya.org/mohanmala/ similar to Jesus teachings and 

to Hindu, Jain and Buddhist writings on peace, nonviolence and Ahimsa. 

And a little over a week ago I began to have an interest in the 'plain' way of dress of the SOF along with the Friend's other down to earth ways of living. 

Tim  

John - here are some books that would appeal to Ohio Friends:

Journal of Christopher Healey - an early 19th century minister who lived at various times in CT, NY, and Fallsington, Pa. One of the finest of all Friends journals.

Crosfield Letters - written by John Wilbur to George Crossfield. Much easier reading than Wilbur's Journal and a quick read. The current version in print by TAF is entitled "Letters to a Friend."

An Appeal for the Ancient Doctrines - a pamphlet printed by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in the 1840s that outlines the inward spiritual experience that Gurney etal. were attempting to over turn at that time. The text is interesting because many common Quaker phrases of the time are included - such as "obedience keeping pace with knowledge" and others that have mostly disappeared from our shared Quaker memory

Doctrines of Friends by Elisha Bates - printed in 1824, the book was something of an "update" of Barclay's Apology but easier to read. Stephen Grellett and Joseph Hoag assisted but are not attributed. A leading Ohio Friend of the late 19th century considered the book better than Barclay's Apology. The first chapter is an abridgement of Phips on Man, an outstanding book of the mid-18th century that should be on the reading list of any Ohio Friend.

Strength in Weakness - a recent, outstanding book with writings by several 18th century women Friends.

Briefly, here are some journals that are quite lengthy but very good - Stephen Grellett, Daniel Wheeler, Joseph Hoag, William Evans, Joshua Maule, Joseph Oxley - also about any journal in the Friends' Library is worth the time (Savery, Camm, Audland, etc.).

Chronicler at 03:05PM on Feb 10, 2010

John - here are some books that would appeal to Ohio Friends:

Journal of Christopher Healey - an early 19th century minister who lived at various times in CT, NY, and Fallsington, Pa. One of the finest of all Friends journals.

Crosfield Letters - written by John Wilbur to George Crossfield. Much easier reading than Wilbur's Journal and a quick read. The current version in print by TAF is entitled "Letters to a Friend."

An Appeal for the Ancient Doctrines - a pamphlet printed by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in the 1840s that outlines the inward spiritual experience that Gurney etal. were attempting to over turn at that time. The text is interesting because many common Quaker phrases of the time are included - such as "obedience keeping pace with knowledge" and others that have mostly disappeared from our shared Quaker memory

Doctrines of Friends by Elisha Bates - printed in 1824, the book was something of an "update" of Barclay's Apology but easier to read. Stephen Grellett and Joseph Hoag assisted but are not attributed. A leading Ohio Friend of the late 19th century considered the book better than Barclay's Apology. The first chapter is an abridgement of Phips on Man, an outstanding book of the mid-18th century that should be on the reading list of any Ohio Friend.

Strength in Weakness - a recent, outstanding book with writings by several 18th century women Friends.

Briefly, here are some journals that are quite lengthy but very good - Stephen Grellett, Daniel Wheeler, Joseph Hoag, William Evans, Joshua Maule, Joseph Oxley - also about any journal in the Friends' Library is worth the time (Savery, Camm, Audland, etc.).

Thank thee Friend,

The Doctrines of Friends sounds very interesting, since I enjoyed  Barclay's Apology so much.  I shall also look into some of the Journals as well. 

Recently I have been reaiding Friend Lloyd Lee Wilson's Wrestling with our Faith Tradition.   I listened to a lecture by Friend Lloyd online from Pendle Hill, http://www.pendlehill.org/lectures/fall2009/253-who-do-you-say-i-am   Just cklick on the listen here text.

I found Friend Lloyd's lecture spoke to my condition as a Friend and Christian, it was informative and enjoyable.  I just ordered his other book,

Essays On The Quaker Vision Of Gospel Order.  http://www.quakerbooks.org/essays_on_the_quaker_vision_of_gospel_order.php

God bless and keep thee.

Thy Friend in Christ,

John Richards

Middletown Meeting, Langhorne, Pa.

Dear George,

Interesting that you mention From Eternity to Here, by Viola.  After my father (a chaplain,) finished reading the book Pagan Christianity he ordered the rest of Viola's books.  He recently dropped them all off at my home.  I was a bit over whelmed at the sheer volume of reading material and with my eye pain I must be chose carefully.  I smiled when I read your recommendation to Friend John as that was the book out of the bunch that I have decided looked the most moving and will be reading it this winter.

I'm glad to know that you would recommend it and good to see you here.

In friendship and love,

Jan Lyn

Dear Jan Lyn,

Thank you for having posted. I was seriously thinking about sending you a copy of “From Eternity to Here”.  Now I understand that this is not necessary since you already have access to the book.

I think you will enjoy the book. You’ll find that what it says will please you in that there is much light shed on the search and the meaning of Christ centered meeting – something that so many are looking for and longing for in this day and age – regardless of faith affiliation.

After you had read the book you might leave a trace of your thoughts on its content here if you feel moved to do so.

God bless you dear child of God.

In Christ,

George

Dear George,

I have quite the pile of books next to my favorite chair here, but do intend to get to that eventually as I said.  It truly peaked my interest.

Currently, I am going through Oswald Chamber's devotional with my chronic illness group and reading a biography.  It's a toss up between starting Viola's book or Barclay's Apology next.  Perhaps I will alternate between the two as Barclay looks pretty tedious for my eyes.

You have blessed me in kind words and thoughts here and it was much appreciated to find.  Please say hello and remember me to Fiorella.

In friendship and love,

Jan Lyn

Chronicler at 03:05PM on Feb 10, 2010

John - here are some books that would appeal to Ohio Friends:

Journal of Christopher Healey - an early 19th century minister who lived at various times in CT, NY, and Fallsington, Pa. One of the finest of all Friends journals.

Crosfield Letters - written by John Wilbur to George Crossfield. Much easier reading than Wilbur's Journal and a quick read. The current version in print by TAF is entitled "Letters to a Friend."

An Appeal for the Ancient Doctrines - a pamphlet printed by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in the 1840s that outlines the inward spiritual experience that Gurney etal. were attempting to over turn at that time. The text is interesting because many common Quaker phrases of the time are included - such as "obedience keeping pace with knowledge" and others that have mostly disappeared from our shared Quaker memory

Doctrines of Friends by Elisha Bates - printed in 1824, the book was something of an "update" of Barclay's Apology but easier to read. Stephen Grellett and Joseph Hoag assisted but are not attributed. A leading Ohio Friend of the late 19th century considered the book better than Barclay's Apology. The first chapter is an abridgement of Phips on Man, an outstanding book of the mid-18th century that should be on the reading list of any Ohio Friend.

Strength in Weakness - a recent, outstanding book with writings by several 18th century women Friends.

Briefly, here are some journals that are quite lengthy but very good - Stephen Grellett, Daniel Wheeler, Joseph Hoag, William Evans, Joshua Maule, Joseph Oxley - also about any journal in the Friends' Library is worth the time (Savery, Camm, Audland, etc.).

Here are links to PDF versions of some of these works:

Journal of Christopher Healey - an early 19th century minister who lived at various times in CT, NY, and Fallsington, Pa. One of the finest of all Friends journals. - http://ia360606.us.archive.org/1/items/memoirofchristo00heal/memoirofchristo00heal.pdf

Crosfield Letters - written by John Wilbur to George Crossfield. Much easier reading than Wilbur's Journal and a quick read. The current version in print by TAF is entitled "Letters to a Friend." - http://ia341307.us.archive.org/0/items/cu31924084588270/cu31924084588270.pdf

Doctrines of Friends by Elisha Bates - printed in 1824, the book was something of an "update" of Barclay's Apology but easier to read. Stephen Grellett and Joseph Hoag assisted but are not attributed. A leading Ohio Friend of the late 19th century considered the book better than Barclay's Apology. The first chapter is an abridgement of Phips on Man, an outstanding book of the mid-18th century that should be on the reading list of any Ohio Friend. - http://books.google.com/books?id=UXdu6_P5XG4C&oe=UTF-8

You can find these and many, many other great, old Quaker books on www.archive.org.  I'd recommend Sewel's History: http://www.archive.org/details/historyofriseinc12sewe

Bob Runyan

Bob Runyan at 01:35PM on Mar 11, 2010

Chronicler at 03:05PM on Feb 10, 2010

John - here are some books that would appeal to Ohio Friends:

Journal of Christopher Healey - an early 19th century minister who lived at various times in CT, NY, and Fallsington, Pa. One of the finest of all Friends journals.

Crosfield Letters - written by John Wilbur to George Crossfield. Much easier reading than Wilbur's Journal and a quick read. The current version in print by TAF is entitled "Letters to a Friend."

An Appeal for the Ancient Doctrines - a pamphlet printed by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in the 1840s that outlines the inward spiritual experience that Gurney etal. were attempting to over turn at that time. The text is interesting because many common Quaker phrases of the time are included - such as "obedience keeping pace with knowledge" and others that have mostly disappeared from our shared Quaker memory

Doctrines of Friends by Elisha Bates - printed in 1824, the book was something of an "update" of Barclay's Apology but easier to read. Stephen Grellett and Joseph Hoag assisted but are not attributed. A leading Ohio Friend of the late 19th century considered the book better than Barclay's Apology. The first chapter is an abridgement of Phips on Man, an outstanding book of the mid-18th century that should be on the reading list of any Ohio Friend.

Strength in Weakness - a recent, outstanding book with writings by several 18th century women Friends.

Briefly, here are some journals that are quite lengthy but very good - Stephen Grellett, Daniel Wheeler, Joseph Hoag, William Evans, Joshua Maule, Joseph Oxley - also about any journal in the Friends' Library is worth the time (Savery, Camm, Audland, etc.).

Here are links to PDF versions of some of these works:

Journal of Christopher Healey - an early 19th century minister who lived at various times in CT, NY, and Fallsington, Pa. One of the finest of all Friends journals. - http://ia360606.us.archive.org/1/items/memoirofchristo00heal/memoirofchristo00heal.pdf

Crosfield Letters - written by John Wilbur to George Crossfield. Much easier reading than Wilbur's Journal and a quick read. The current version in print by TAF is entitled "Letters to a Friend." - http://ia341307.us.archive.org/0/items/cu31924084588270/cu31924084588270.pdf

 

Doctrines of Friends by Elisha Bates - printed in 1824, the book was something of an "update" of Barclay's Apology but easier to read. Stephen Grellett and Joseph Hoag assisted but are not attributed. A leading Ohio Friend of the late 19th century considered the book better than Barclay's Apology. The first chapter is an abridgement of Phips on Man, an outstanding book of the mid-18th century that should be on the reading list of any Ohio Friend. - http://books.google.com/books?id=UXdu6_P5XG4C&oe=UTF-8

You can find these and many, many other great, old Quaker books on www.archive.org.  I'd recommend Sewel's History: http://www.archive.org/details/historyofriseinc12sewe

Bob Runyan

 

Thank thee Friend Bob,

It will be nice to be able to read these online.  In regard to Christopher Healey, Fallsington Pa. is only a few miles from my home in Lower Makefield Township.  My in-laws have a beautiful painting of the Meetinghouse in Fallsington.  I did purchase the Elsiha Bates book, and will begin reading it after I finish Friend Lloyd's books. 

Thy Friend in Christ,

John.

Jan Lyn Lewis at 06:11PM on Feb 19, 2010

Dear George,

 

I have quite the pile of books next to my favorite chair here, but do intend to get to that eventually as I said.  It truly peaked my interest.

 

Currently, I am going through Oswald Chamber's devotional with my chronic illness group and reading a biography.  It's a toss up between starting Viola's book or Barclay's Apology next.  Perhaps I will alternate between the two as Barclay looks pretty tedious for my eyes.

 

You have blessed me in kind words and thoughts here and it was much appreciated to find.  Please say hello and remember me to Fiorella.

 

In friendship and love,

Jan Lyn

Jan Lyn,

Try reading from www.herbalist-alchemist and www.herb-pharm.com

about some adaptogens (herbs).  Some of the following herbs are recommended by 'Bottom Line Publications":  (1.)  Gingseng (Asian

Panax and American Panax quinquefolium), (2.) Ashwagandha

(Withania somnifera) and (3.) Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus). 

And also recommended by Bottom Line's Ultimate Healing volume is

to check into Conjugated Linoleic Acid, a fat found in dairy and meat products.  People who took 3 grams of conjugated linoleic acid daily for

12 weeks had 20% to 30% higher levels of two important blood markers

of immunity -- IgA and IgM, both antiinfection boosters-- than

people who did not supplement with CLA.  Last but certainly not least is

that I saw in a health article that our entire brain is brought to vivid life and strengthened by reading, thinking about and doing things that give

us joy inside of us continually and of course that  affects our system in

a good way.  I don't know much about these herbs.  So, please check

with your physician and others who have heard of them before trying

any of these out.

Friend, Tim

Thank you Friend Tim, for thinking of me.  It has been an answer to prayer that my body has recently begun to take a few vitamins in pure forms and eat a few more foods that I was unable to due to reactions. I am taking things slowly one at a time with my doctors. I feel God has also given me a sign of life by allowing me to gain 23 lbs. now though I still have a ways to go.  (I was very underweight.) I am constantly reminded of Psalm 139 when it says "...I will give thanks for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

I apologize for being off topic a bit there.  I will say that I read an interesting biography over the winter and so I am just now getting to Barclay's Apology and From Eternity to Here.  It has also been helping me greatly the past week to listen to Daily Bible readings by audio online that Friend John mentioned to me as I am able to rest my eyes during them.

In friendship and Christ,

Jan Lyn 

I hope you're feeling better over time, and that you get more sleep.

Thanks Kevin.  I'll always have challenges but it may help me to stop burning the midnight oil.

JORichards at 08:04PM on Jan 20, 2010

I have some extra time due to some health issues and I would love for Friends to recomend some good books to read that will help me pass the time.  Please tell me a little about a book you love and why.

Thanks

 

Thy Friend in Christ,

John.

John,

I've had several major injuries in my life and while I was recuperating

from those injuries I read exciting fiction stories about wolves, bears, mountain lions, etc...  and I watched fiction movies about explorers in Tennensee and Kentuck.  In a manner of speaking I guess I was

getting outside while I was inside by reading those kind of books and

watching those kind of movies.  And since you are also into Quaker

things as I am, You might try renting a copy of "Angel and the Bad Man"

with Gail Russell and John Wayne about a family of Friends taking in

a man who was on the wrong path and guiding him back onto a better

one.  I hope you get well soon.   

Tim

Jan Lyn Lewis at 11:56AM on Mar 20, 2010

Thanks Kevin.  I'll always have challenges but it may help me to stop burning the midnight oil.

 

 

Jan Lyn,

I'm glad you are better and in relation to getting a little better sleep; I

have 'tinitis' which is a kind of static sound that constantly goes on in

my ears and when the regular sounds around us during the day quite

way down at night it can then become pronounced and loud which at

times can affect my getting a good night's sleep.   Audios played low

help and so do songs also played low but just loud enough to replace

the static sound of tinitis which is irritating with the pleasant sound of

my favorite music which is relaxing.  I don't know if you or any of my

other fellow Friends have tinitis but if you do, this could help get a little

better sleep and it might help even if a person doesn't have tinitis.