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James, William, 1842-1910

"Varieties of Religious Experience, a Study in Human Nature"


"God is more real to me than any thought or thing or person. I
feel his presence positively, and the more as I live in closer
harmony with his laws as written in my body and mind. I feel him
in the sunshine or rain; and awe mingled with a delicious
restfulness most nearly describes my feelings. I talk to him as
to a companion in prayer and praise, and our communion is
delightful. He answers me again and again, often in words so
clearly spoken that it seems my outer ear must have carried the
tone, but generally in strong mental impressions. Usually a text
of Scripture, unfolding some new view of him and his love for me,
and care for my safety. I could give hundreds of instances, in
school matters, social problems, financial difficulties, etc.
That he is mine and I am his never leaves me, it is an abiding
joy. Without it life would be a blank, a desert, a shoreless,
trackless waste."
I subjoin some more examples from writers of different ages and
sexes. They are also from Professor Starbuck's collection, and
their number might be greatly multiplied. The first is from a
man twenty-seven years old:--
"God is quite real to me.


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