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Preface
In offering this volume to the public, custom and duty
demands me to add a few prefatory remarks.
The reader will find herein treated a variety of subjects,
none of which have been selected to take up time or space.
Many others have presented themselves to the author's
mind, but only those subjects of the greatest importance
have been chosen.
Part I is given exclusively to a treatise on the Holy
Spirit, and is concluded by a poem, "The Gift
Unspeakable," written expressly for this work by my
friend and co-laborer, Robert Rothman.
Part II contains an exposition of evil spirits and their
diabolical works. Thousands of such evil spirits and false
ways could be mentioned, but we have treated only a few of
the most prevalent and dangerous spirits of the present
day.
I have not tried to be exhaustive in any of the subjects
herein mentioned for several reasons: (1) Because the
general reader appreciates practicability more than
technicality; (2) Because most of the work has been
prosecuted in the midst of evangelistic duties which
robbed me of the assistance of reference books; (3)
Because, like all other men, and much more than some
others, I have been limited by my own fallible strength.
Whatever success I have achieved is due to the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit and the gracious help of my Lord, who
is the comfort and joy of my life. Whatever trace of
fallibility the reader may find here he, or she, is humbly
asked to pardon; but for the plain and definite truths
herein contained I have no excuse to offer. Truth alone
will free the soul from the bondage of sin and fit it to
dwell above. Knowing this, I have told the truth, so far
as my circumstances and ability would allow, unmixed with
the poison of error or the leaven of compromise.
In this work the author has had two principal objects in
view: (1) It has been my object to explain the Holy
Spirit, His leadings, operations, etc., that the reader
might "acquaint himself with God and be at
peace." (2) It has been my object to expose the
workings of the spirits of devils, that the reader might
escape the wily schemes with which they lie in wait to
deceive.
How well I have succeeded in revealing the beauties of the
Holy Spirit and exposing the baseness of evil spirits, my
readers must judge.
With a fervent prayer that these humble efforts may help
some weary traveler on life's way, or encourage some soul
whom Satan has cast down, I am most sincerely,
Yours
in Christ,
D.
O. Teasley
Moundsville,
W. Va., May 15, 1903
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