Abandonment to Divine Providence

This book is a guide to achieving sanctity through the simple, yet profound, practice of "abandonment" to the will of God. Fr. de Caussade argues that holiness is accessible to everyone, regardless of their state in life, and consists of two main practices: faithfully fulfilling the duties of the present moment (active fidelity) and lovingly accepting whatever circumstances God permits (passive submission). The core message is that every moment, with its unique duties and crosses, is a sacrament that contains the divine action. By surrendering completely to this divine action, the soul is purified, united with God, and led to the highest perfection, often through trials and profound spiritual darkness.

Outline

The Virtue and Nature of Abandonment

This section introduces the foundational concept that sanctity lies not in extraordinary deeds but in perfect conformity to the will of God as it unfolds moment by moment. The author explains that God's action is hidden beneath the surface of ordinary life, in the duties, attractions, and crosses that each day presents. To cooperate with this divine action is the whole of the spiritual life. This path is divided into an active part—fulfilling the commandments of God and the duties of one's state—and a passive part—lovingly accepting all that God sends. Fr. de Caussade emphasizes that this way is simple and accessible to all, as God only asks for a willing heart. Perfection is achieved by doing what God wills, not by trying to understand His mysterious designs. All spiritual exercises, readings, and practices are only valuable insofar as they are channels for this divine will in the present moment.

The State of Abandonment and its Trials

The book then describes the "state of abandonment," a more advanced stage where the soul moves from actively pursuing God to passively allowing God to live and act within it. In this state, the soul is guided not by its own plans or methods but by the subtle inspirations of grace and the simple duty of the moment. This path is one of pure faith, often walked in darkness, confusion, and a sense of nothingness. The author details the severe trials associated with this state, which serve to purify the soul. These include being misunderstood and condemned by others for appearing useless or unconventional; feeling profound self-contempt and humiliation due to perceived weaknesses and failures; and experiencing a deep spiritual obscurity where God seems absent and the path forward is unclear. These trials strip the soul of all self-reliance, forcing it to depend entirely on God.

Divine Assistance and the Triumph of Humility

The final part explains how God's fatherly providence unfailingly assists the soul that has completely abandoned itself to Him. The less the soul feels this divine support, the more powerfully and effectively God is sustaining it. God's action turns every circumstance, including the attacks of enemies and the soul's own frailties, into instruments of grace and sanctification. The soul in this state learns a supernatural prudence, finding peace and security not in its own strength or wisdom, but in simple, humble submission. This path of abandonment is portrayed as a continuous battle where humility triumphs over pride. Though the forces of the world and hell may seem powerful, the simple soul, united with the divine will, is guaranteed victory and is being woven into a beautiful, divine history that will be fully revealed only in eternity.