Santa Teresa: An Appreciation

What It's About

This short work grew out of Alexander Whyte's own summer reading of St Teresa's writings, which he later felt moved to share with his Edinburgh congregation. It opens with his own introductory "appreciation" of her life and character, then presents a selection of Teresa's writings, chosen and arranged by Whyte himself.

Key Concepts

The selected passages are grouped by theme, covering Teresa's reflections on prayer, the soul, humility, sorrow for sin, self-examination, and the love of God and of one's neighbour. Together they give a picture of Teresa's inner spiritual life rather than a straightforward account of her outward biography.

About the Author

Alexander Whyte (1836–1921) was a Scottish Free Church minister, best known for his long ministry at Free St George's Church in Edinburgh and for his powerful, widely admired preaching. He later served as Principal of New College, Edinburgh, and was Moderator of the Free Church General Assembly in 1898.