Mystics and mysticism: a summation - #2

Have they not rather justified it beyond all denial? Their testimony bears on the face of it the evidence of being founded on experience; they speak not by hearsay, but of that which they have seen and known for themselves. These mystics are no mere visionaries, unreliable, witnesses, but men and women of strong character, possessed of sound judgment, and for the most part of practical good sense. They were known far and wide for the sanctity of their lives, the saintliness of their characters. Often they were profound thinkers, the intellectual leaders of their fellows, and withal men and women of action, with great gifts for leadership and administration, who have made their mark in the history of religion and often-times in the history of the world. Their inward vision did not make them less capable of serving their fellow-men, rather it inspired them to a fuller and richer life for others in the world. Their mysticism was a death opening up the gates of life, it was creative in the fullest sense of the word; they were not content to abide alone, but in dying unto themselves they brought forth much fruit.

From the Epilogue
An introduction to the history of mysticism

By Margaret Smith

Gordon Press, New York

1976

Reprint of the 1930 edition published by the
Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, London.