The Spirit of God

Rev. P. C. Mozoomdar's "The Spirit of God" was first published in America by Mr. Geo. H. Ellis, 141, Franklin Street, Boston, in 1898, in a decent volume, and since then has always been regarded by many as a really remarkable contribution to devotional literature. Latterly the book was very difficult to obtain in this country, and friends and admirers of the author could secure only a few copies now and then from Mrs. Mozoomdar who was supplied occasionally with some volumes by the publisher in America as kind gifts. It was this scarcity of such a valuable book which led the undersigned to attempt a New Edition to be published in this country, and the sincerest thanks of all who esteem the work are due to Raja Venkatakumar Mahipati Surya Rao of Pithapuram, who came forward with the generous offer of bearing the entire cost of publication. It goes without saying that but for his timely and liberal help it would have been difficult to undertake the work before us. This generous donation has been further enriched by an admirable suggestion coming from the same source that the proceeds of the sale of this book might be held as a permanent fund for bringing out other important works of the same author, and it has been intended to materialize the suggestion as soon as it is found feasible. We have also to record here most thankfully the readiness with which Mr. Geo. H. Ellis gave us permission to print an Indian edition here. The price of the first edition was a bit prohibitive to many; in the present edition, however, every attempt has been made to maintain the standard of the get up of the foreign edition and at the same time to keep the price reasonably within the means of all. It is now earnestly to be hoped and desired that all interested in devotional literature will welcome and encourage this undertaking.

I FEEL helpless at the thought that all language is nearly worked out in conceiving, expressing, and glorifying God. Though inspired thought is an impulse that stirs one's being to the lowest depths, yet the forms left to embody it are the used up forms to which thousands have given thousands of meanings. How can I adequately say what is in me, so that the reader will readily see what I mean? There is nothing said-I have done my best to say nothing but what has repeatedly come to me as the devoutest experience. I do not pretend to be a scholar, or theologian, or teacher. My utterances are only my personal record. And I have had to express them through a language which, do what I will, being a foreigner, I can use very imperfectly. But these transcendent experiences must be uttered. I only hope I shall not be accused of misleading any one by dishonest subtleties, or conscious mysticisms, or saying one thing and meaning another. I have often failed in my utter incapacity to fitly conceive or unfold the Spirit who is beyond word and thought. In His name and glory I have only tried to describe His dealings with me, one of the humblest of mankind, that He may deal similarly with others to whom in the plenteousness of his grace God has given greater light, greater love, or greater holiness. May the spirit of God abide with the reader !

Dettagli