Vailima Prayers and Sabbath Morn By: Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
Vailima Prayers and Sabbath Morn by Robert Louis Stevenson is an exceptional collection of poems that invites readers into a world of contemplation and profound reflections. As the title suggests, the book explores the themes of prayer and spirituality, offering a glimpse into the author's personal beliefs and experiences. Stevenson’s mastery of language is evident throughout the collection, showcasing his keen ability to express complex emotions and spiritual insights through poetry. Each poem represents a unique journey, guiding readers through a sequence of thoughts and meditations. The author's words have an almost lyrical quality, evoking a sense of tranquility and reverence. One of the most remarkable aspects of this collection is Stevenson's ability to explore deep philosophical questions without sounding didactic or heavy-handed. Instead, he offers gentle reflections that encourage readers to ponder their own beliefs and seek answers within themselves. Each poem acts as a bridge between the earthly and the spiritual, creating a harmonious blend of introspection and enlightenment. The themes of nature and the divine are intertwined throughout this collection. Stevenson's vivid descriptions of the natural world breathe life into each poem, adding a sense of wonder and awe. From the serene Sabbath morning to the rustling of leaves in the wind, the beauty of creation becomes a powerful metaphor for the divine presence in our lives. Vailima Prayers and Sabbath Morn is not only a collection of poetry but also a sacred space where readers can find solace and inspiration. The poems speak to the human experience on a deeply personal level, addressing questions of faith, gratitude, and purpose. Stevenson's words have a universal appeal, resonating with readers from all walks of life who seek meaning and connection. Overall, Vailima Prayers and Sabbath Morn is a remarkable collection of poems that deserves recognition for its beauty, depth, and spiritual resonance. Robert Louis Stevenson's mastery of language and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience make this book a captivating read. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or someone in search of greater spiritual understanding, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impression. First Page: Prayers Written At Vailima by Robert Louis Stevenson Scanned and proofed by David Price ccx074@coventry.ac.uk Second proofing by Stephen Booth Prayers Written At Vailima INTRODUCTION In every Samoan household the day is closed with prayer and the singing of hymns. The omission of this sacred duty would indicate, not only a lack of religious training in the house chief, but a shameless disregard of all that is reputable in Samoan social life. No doubt, to many, the evening service is no more than a duty fulfilled. The child who says his prayer at his mother's knee can have no real conception of the meaning of the words he lisps so readily, yet he goes to his little bed with a sense of heavenly protection that he would miss were the prayer forgotten. The average Samoan is but a larger child in most things, and would lay an uneasy head on his wooden pillow if he had not joined, even perfunctorily, in the evening service. With my husband, prayer, the direct appeal, was a necessity. When he was happy he felt impelled to offer thanks for that undeserved joy; when in sorrow, or pain, to call for strength to bear what must be borne. Vailima lay up some three miles of continual rise from Apia, and more than half that distance from the nearest village. It was a long way for a tired man to walk down every evening with the sole purpose of joining in family worship; and the road through the bush was dark, and, to the Samoan imagination, beset with supernatural terrors... Continue reading book >>

Vailima Prayers and Sabbath Morn By: Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

Vailima Prayers and Sabbath Morn by Robert Louis Stevenson is an exceptional collection of poems that invites readers into a world of contemplation and profound reflections. As the title suggests, the book explores the themes of prayer and spirituality, offering a glimpse into the author's personal beliefs and experiences.

Stevenson’s mastery of language is evident throughout the collection, showcasing his keen ability to express complex emotions and spiritual insights through poetry. Each poem represents a unique journey, guiding readers through a sequence of thoughts and meditations. The author's words have an almost lyrical quality, evoking a sense of tranquility and reverence.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this collection is Stevenson's ability to explore deep philosophical questions without sounding didactic or heavy-handed. Instead, he offers gentle reflections that encourage readers to ponder their own beliefs and seek answers within themselves. Each poem acts as a bridge between the earthly and the spiritual, creating a harmonious blend of introspection and enlightenment.

The themes of nature and the divine are intertwined throughout this collection. Stevenson's vivid descriptions of the natural world breathe life into each poem, adding a sense of wonder and awe. From the serene Sabbath morning to the rustling of leaves in the wind, the beauty of creation becomes a powerful metaphor for the divine presence in our lives.

Vailima Prayers and Sabbath Morn is not only a collection of poetry but also a sacred space where readers can find solace and inspiration. The poems speak to the human experience on a deeply personal level, addressing questions of faith, gratitude, and purpose. Stevenson's words have a universal appeal, resonating with readers from all walks of life who seek meaning and connection.

Overall, Vailima Prayers and Sabbath Morn is a remarkable collection of poems that deserves recognition for its beauty, depth, and spiritual resonance. Robert Louis Stevenson's mastery of language and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience make this book a captivating read. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or someone in search of greater spiritual understanding, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impression.

First Page:

Prayers Written At Vailima by Robert Louis Stevenson Scanned and proofed by David Price ccx074@coventry.ac.uk Second proofing by Stephen Booth

Prayers Written At Vailima

INTRODUCTION

In every Samoan household the day is closed with prayer and the singing of hymns. The omission of this sacred duty would indicate, not only a lack of religious training in the house chief, but a shameless disregard of all that is reputable in Samoan social life. No doubt, to many, the evening service is no more than a duty fulfilled. The child who says his prayer at his mother's knee can have no real conception of the meaning of the words he lisps so readily, yet he goes to his little bed with a sense of heavenly protection that he would miss were the prayer forgotten. The average Samoan is but a larger child in most things, and would lay an uneasy head on his wooden pillow if he had not joined, even perfunctorily, in the evening service. With my husband, prayer, the direct appeal, was a necessity. When he was happy he felt impelled to offer thanks for that undeserved joy; when in sorrow, or pain, to call for strength to bear what must be borne.

Vailima lay up some three miles of continual rise from Apia, and more than half that distance from the nearest village. It was a long way for a tired man to walk down every evening with the sole purpose of joining in family worship; and the road through the bush was dark, and, to the Samoan imagination, beset with supernatural terrors... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Essay/Short nonfiction
Literature
Religion

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