This book examines the religious life almost totally from a scriptural point of view. The author feels himself justified in offering this piece of reflection to his fellow religious. As far as he is aware, there are-few enough books in English, at least of recent composition, that contemplate religious life from the perspective of the scriptures and therefore it is his hope that this present book will answer a need. Even though the approach is biblical, it is to be hoped that it is possible to examine religious life from a scriptural view point while at the same time treating that life with the comprehensiveness which it deserves.