The Project Gutenberg EBook of Modern Saints and Seers, by Jean Finot

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org

Title: Modern Saints and Seers

Author: Jean Finot

Translator: Evan Marrett

Release Date: April 22, 2008 [EBook #25126]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MODERN SAINTS AND SEERS ***

Produced by Al Haines

MODERN SAINTS AND SEERS

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH OF

JEAN FINOT

BY

EVAN MARRETT

LONDON

WILLIAM RIDER & SON, LTD.

CATHEDRAL HOUSE, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.C.

1920

PREFACE

_THE FOREST OF ILLUSIONS_

"Listen within yourselves, and gaze into the infinity of Space and
Time. There resounds the song of the Stars, the voice of Numbers, the
harmony of the Spheres."--HERMES TRISMEGISTUS.

_In these days the phenomenon of religion, which we believed to have
receded into the background of human life, is reappearing among us,
more vigorous than ever. The four years' desolation into which the
world was plunged has rendered the attraction of "the beyond"
irresistible, and man turns towards it with passionate curiosity and
undisguised longing. The millions of dead who have vanished from
mortal sight seem to be drawing the present towards the unsounded deeps
of the future. In many cases their loss has taken all joy and colour
from the lives of those who survive them, and tear-stained faces are
instinctively turned towards the portals of the Great Mystery._

_Occultism is triumphant. In its many different forms it now emerges
from obscurity and neglect. Its promises excite our deepest thoughts
and wishes. Eagerly we examine the strength of the bridge that it has
built between this world and the next; and though we may see our hopes
slip down between the crevices, though we may find those who have been
disappointed in a more despairing state than before--what matter? We
still owe thanks to occultism for some cherished moments of illusion._

_The number of its followers increases steadily, for never before has
man experienced so ardent a desire for direct contact with the
Unknowable. Science will have to reckon with this movement which is
carrying away even her own high-priests