The World in Tune

by William Penn (Editor), Robert Barclay (Editor), Isaac Penington (Editor)

The publication of the works of William Penn, Robert Barclay, and Isaac Penington make available in condensed form the thought of three early leaders of the Society of Friends whose writings are too lengthy for the present mood. Penn deals with practice, Barclay with belief, and Penington with inward experience. The book is composed if three pamphlets originally published 1. Barclay in Brief; 2. The Inward Journey of Isaac Penington; and 3. William Penn's No Cross, No Crown.

Genres: Poetry

153 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

William Penn was an English real estate entrepreneur, philosopher, and founder of the Province of Pennsylvania. He was an early champion of democracy and a prominent Quaker.

On November 28, 1984 William Penn and his second wife, Hannah Callowhill Penn became Honorary Citizens of the United States, upon an Act of Congress by Presidential Proclamation 5284.

Reviews

[Poiema]

A slim, charming vintage book I picked up by serendipity at my favorite used bookstore. The author, Elizabeth Gray Vining, was the tutor to Japanese Crown Prince Akihito during the American occupation of Japan. She wrote another book about that experience entitled Windows for the Crown Prince: An American Woman's Four Years as Private Tutor to the Crown Prince of Japan

A book to read slowly, this little gem contains classic poetry, prayers, and meditative thoughts. The chapters are short but packed with worthy thoughts on which to ruminate: preparing the heart for a Heavenly visitation, the value of "ready made" prayers, minor ecstasies--- fleeting little glimpses of glory sprinkled like star dust on a monotonous path, reflecting on the continued influences of loved ones who have crossed to the other side ahead of us. I liked this book so much that I am starting over on it a 2nd time. Reading it gives me a sense of pause and pleasure.

[Mark]

After an introduction describing the limitations of written prayers and the early and persistent abandonment of the form by Society of Friends, the author presents a collection of more than a dozen written prayers, with interesting historical context and personal notes.

For example she begins with the Purity Collect, attributed to 8th century monk Alcuin in Charlemagne’s France. Vining finds a phrase from an ancient Jewish prayer of Eighteen Petitions that sums up the Purity Collect prayer: “Cleanse our hearts to serve thee in truth.” (p. 9)

Of all of the prayers offered, I am particularly drawn to the fifth: “Be still my heart, these great trees are prayers.” – Rabindranath Tagore, in his book of poems, Stray Birds. `Nuff said.

If the reader is one inclined to pray or considering how best to approach the art, this slim volume might be good to have on hand for repeated reference or, as Vining suggests, help one through periods of "aridity" in thought and voice.

[Betsy Jordan]

Reach out

Beautiful, profound, simple, spiritual, practical prayers with the explanation of each prayer and the purpose involved in reaching to God.