Preface 13
our inward man. We conclude that the Bible divides man into three
parts—spirit, soul and body. We shall see further how different are
the functions and the realms of these three parts, particularly those of
spirit and soul. In this connection, a few words need to be said
concerning Part One of this first volume. The differentiation of spirit
and soul as well as the difference in their functions are necessary
knowledge to those who seek to grow in spiritual life. Only after
knowing what is the spirit and what is spiritual can we walk
according to the spirit. Because of the great lack of such teachings, I
have attempted to explain in detail. To believers with some
background this first Part will not present any difficulty to their
understanding; but those who are unfamiliar with such a study need
only remember the conclusions and may then proceed to the second
Part. Part One, consequently, does not deal specifically with spiritual
life; it merely supplies us with some necessary knowledge basic to
spiritual life. This Part may be better understood if it is reread after
the entire book is first finished.
I am not the first to advocate the teaching of the dividing of spirit
and soul. Andrew Murray once said that what the church and
individuals have to dread is the inordinate activity of the soul with its
power of mind and will. F. B. Meyer declared that had he not known
about the dividing of spirit and soul, he could not have imagined
what his spiritual life would have been. Many others, such as Otto
Stockmayer, Jessie Penn-Lewis, Evan Roberts, Madame Guyon,
have given the same testimony. I have used their writings freely
since we all have received the same commission from the Lord;
therefore I have decided to forego notating their many references.∗
This book is written not only for the believers as such, but also to
help those who are younger in the Lord’s service than I. We who are
responsible for the spiritual life of others ought to know from what
∗Citations will be added where the direct quotations can be found.—Translator.