Published respectively in 1650 and 1651, Holy Living instructs the reader on leading a virtuous life, while Holy Dying offers guidance on preparing for a pious Christian death.
Seventy-five years after their publication John Wesley discovered Taylor’s works—an encounter he said left him “exceedingly affected.” Taylor’s works inspired the spiritual turning point for Wesley, who said that upon reading, he
immediately resolved to dedicate all his life to God.
While the language of Taylor’s time may seem demanding, the underlying principles shine as brightly as ever. Though presented in religious context, readers will recognize popular concepts such as time management, social networking,
self-control, and personal accountability.
These things and more reside within Taylor’s Rule and Exercises of Holy Living and Holy Dying, seeking to provide Christians with a fundamental understanding of how to manage our day-to-day affairs in order better to serve ourselves, and
our God.