_Spiritual Letters_ by E.B. Pusey

A Review by the Rev. Ben Jeffries, ’14

Dr. Pusey is chiefly remembered for his academic contribution to the Oxford Movement, but during his long vocation as a priest (he died at age 88, retaining the capacity for vigorous ministry until 86) he counseled hundreds (perhaps thousands) of earnest souls who came to him looking for spiritual advice. Much of this counsel took place via letter, and many of these letters were preserved by H.P. Liddon in the compiling of materials for his famous four-volume biography of Pusey. The letters contained in this volume were compiled as an "appendix" of sorts to said biography, and what an appendix! 

In these letters, usually no longer than two printed pages, we get to see Pusey distill down his great learning, his saturation in the spirituality of the Church Fathers, his adaptation of the counsels of the Counter-Reformers, and apply them to individual cases of pastoral need. In an age where holy and learned spiritual directors can be hard to find (then, and now), this collection of letters answers a great need: Godly, Anglican counsel for the Christ-thirsty soul. The reader will "recognize" herself (many of Pusey's correspondents were women) in many of the letters, and the practical suggestions can be exercised today. Full of equal parts vigor and moderation, Pusey's counsel is a great help on this pilgrim way toward holiness. 

As well as pastoral counsel, Pusey also offers longer letters of intellectual counsel to young students, which are invaluable in reconciling modern day intellectual difficulties, even as they are also fascinating glimpses into the issues facing our Victorian forebears. His treatments of why he did not — would not — convert to Rome, is most useful to all who are tugged that way in our own day. 

Lastly, there is a section at the back that is full of one-sentence pieces of advice extracted from hundreds of other letters, organized by topic. This section is such a goldmine that it has actually been published as a stand-alone devotional volume on Nashotah House Press, entitled A Heart Fixed on Him, with one piece of spiritual counsel given for each day of the year.

The Rev. Ben Jefferies, '14, is the first rector of The Good Shepherd Anglican Church, Opelika, Alabama, co-founder of the Cellar of St. Gambrinus and an honorary member of the Society of St. Moses the Jacked. He is married to Carrie, and they have three adorable daughters. His heroes are E.B. Pusey and The Rev. Lars Skoglund, ’14.