The English Editor to the Reader

This book of Peré Grou is the work of a master of the spiritual life who speaks in a clear and decisive manner, as only those can who are thoroughly acquainted with their subject. But it should be understood by those who read it that it is not intended for beginners, but for such as have made some sort of progress in a knowledge of the spiritual life. For much that he says is put so tersely that those whose knowledge of the subject is not within measurable relativity to that of the writer may easily miss the full sense of his words, and thus be led to look on some parts and passages as unreal or unmeaning, or at least exaggerated.

Writing for the French public at the time he did, there would be more likelihood of there being a good number of people who would be fitted to understand his work, and less likelihood of its falling into the hands of those who would misread it.

- J. G. W.

- taken from Manual for Interior Souls, by Father Jean Nicolas Grou