The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life

This book, originally published 1874-5 in her husband's magazine ( The Christian's Pathway of Power ), is Hannah Whitall Smith's best known and most influential work, having produced many printed editions and translations. She explains in the preface, that it is not a theological work (she did not consider herself a theologian), but rather a series of lessons based on personal experience and insight, in which she desires to "reach the absolute truth which lies at the foundation of all 'creeds' and 'views'". In this sense, the keyword of the title is apt – secret – the hope and truth within her which she longs to share. This "Higher Life", a life of holiness, of "inward rest and outward victory", is discussed over twenty-two chapters, beginning with a division ("God's side and man's side") based on the human condition, and ending in union with God through faith ("God with us").