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Sir James George Frazer developed an affinity for classic literature at a young age, which developed into a very real talent through his schooling at Glasgow University and then Trinity College at Cambridge, where he remained as a Classics Fellow for all but one year of his life. After the success of his first novel, “Totemism”, in 1887, Frazer set out to create what was to become his defining work, “The Golden Bough: A Study in Comparative Religion”. Originally a two-volume edition, the work expanded into multiple volumes, which in 1922 he edited down to the most widely-read abridged version, which has been reproduced here for this edition. It was initially celebrated as a remarkable study of comparative anthropology, but was later discredited by scientists because Frazer did not follow standard scientific procedures. Nevertheless, it could not be denied that the work was an incredible literary accomplishment. “The Golden Bough” is an important work which has heavily influenced many modern writers and philosophers.

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“Absolute Surrender and Other Addresses” is a compilation of sermons and essays written by the famous South African religious leader Andrew Murray. Born in South Africa in 1828, Murray grew up educated in Scotland and later the Netherlands. He returned to South Africa in 1848 after his ordination and pastored several churches all over South Africa. Murray was an important proponent of the “Higher Life” or “Keswick” movement which believed that after one’s initial baptism into the Christian faith one must continue to work on a second blessing from God. This second blessing or purpose is possible by living a more holy and less sinful daily life. This goal may only be achieved by surrendering one’s will and daily life absolutely to Jesus and by studying and understanding Jesus’s words and lessons to his disciples. In these stirring and inspiring sermons, Murray details the benefits of absolute surrender to God, such as untold blessings and a true experience of Jesus, and instructs the faithful in how to achieve this surrender in their daily life. Murray’s wise words continue to guide the faithful over a hundred years later.

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First published posthumously in 1779, “Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion” is Scottish philosopher David Hume’s classic work of religious philosophy. This detailed and exhaustive examination of the nature and existence of God was begun by Hume in 1750, but not completed until shortly before his death in 1776. Hume was an important and influential English Empiricist, along with other English philosophers such as Francis Bacon, John Locke, and Thomas Hobbes. Empiricism rests upon the idea that all rational belief must be supported by experiential evidence. It is within the scope of this philosophy that Hume examines the nature of God in this work and asks the question as to whether or not man’s belief in God can be supported by experience or evidence. This exposition takes place in the guise of a dialogue between three characters, philosophers Demea, Philo, and Cleanthes, who each take different points of view on the subject. Arguments such as intelligent design, the existence of evil as evidence that there is no God, and valuing faith over reason are debated by the three philosophers. “Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion” is a fascinating examination of faith from a philosophical perspective and a must read for any student of philosophy or religion. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

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First published in 1894 in Germany after being banned in Leo Tolstoy’s native Russia, “The Kingdom of God is Within You” is, in the words of the introduction, “one of the most remarkable studies of the social and psychological condition of the modern world”. Thirty years in the making, Tolstoy expounds upon his earlier work “What I Believe” and argues that nonviolence is the very foundation of Christianity. Tolstoy believed that the teaching of Christ to turn the other cheek was Christ’s most important message and that Christianity was a religion of peace and love and prohibited all violence, including self-defense. To support his argument, Tolstoy traced the history of non-violent resistance by a small minority throughout the history of the religion. He drew a sharp contrast between the teachings of Christ, such as at the “Sermon on the Mount”, and modern church doctrine, in which he found the absence of any commandment against violence a perversion of Christ’s message. Tolstoy also criticized all governments that waged war as violating Christian principles. This masterpiece of Christian thought would become the foundation of the philosophy of non-violent resistance and was profoundly influential to such important world figures as Mahatma Gandhi. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

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Written in 1712 by Saint Louis de Montfort, this influential Catholic treatise remained virtually unknown until it was discovered in France in 1842. Finally published in 1843 in its original French, the work became an instant success and would later have a profound impact on many Catholic popes. Pope John Paul II, a most devout believer in the importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, said reading “True Devotion to Mary” was a “decisive turning point” in his life. Montfort believed that the easiest and most perfect path to Jesus Christ lay in worship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through devout dedication to Mary, one could find salvation and eternal life with Jesus Christ. By praising, loving and honoring Mary, one was truly loving and honoring God and Jesus Christ. This devotion to Mary was the most pure and true devotion, showed a profound love and commitment to Jesus Christ, and would bring about wonderful spiritual effects in the worshipper. The greatest book on Marian spirituality ever written, “True Devotion to Mary” continues to inspire and guide the faithful to this day.

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Originally published in 1918, Arthur W. Pink’s “The Sovereignty of God” is a powerful and influential work on the power of God over every aspect of human life, from the smallest specks of dust on earth to the greatest philosophical and spiritual challenges facing mankind. Born in England in 1886, Pink was little known during his own life and struggled with the day to day realities of life as a minister. He and his family moved frequently and lived in England, America, and Australia, before finally settling in Scotland, where he spent his time studying Scripture and writing books. “The Sovereignty of God” is one of his earliest works and tackles the issue of what power God has in the lives of man. Pink criticized the modern tendency to relegate God to the background and focus on science or reason as the solution to the evils plaguing the world. Pink insisted that mankind must reaffirm the absolute power and authority of God in every aspect of physical and spiritual life if man is ever to do or be good. One must begin this process by giving one’s free will over to God in everyday life. The faithful will continue to find practical and clear guidance in this timeless classic.

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Written in 1888, “Abide in Christ” is Andrew Murray’s beautiful and inspiring spiritual guide to a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. While born in South Africa in 1828, as Murray’s father was a Dutch Reformed Church missionary sent from Scotland, Murray grew up educated in Scotland and later the Netherlands. He returned to South Africa in 1848 after his ordination, pastored several churches all over South Africa, and was an important forerunner of the later Pentecostal movement. Murray was an important proponent of the “Higher Life” or “Keswick” movement which believed that after one’s initial baptism into the Christian faith one must continue to work on a second blessing from God. This second blessing or purpose is possible by living a more holy and less sinful daily life. The idea of continuing to practice a Godly and Christian way of life is central to Murray’s eloquent guide “Abide in Christ.” The title is taken from Jesus’s description of the relationship with his disciples, that they must “Follow me.” In this 31-day meditative and spiritual guide, Murray shows the reader how they too may abide with Jesus in their daily lives and thus achieve a more profound and intimate relationship with Christ.

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As a result of his controversial works criticizing the Russian government and the Russian Orthodox Church, Tolstoy was excommunicated in 1901. Tolstoy dismissed the event lightly as he continued his search for a practical religion. “A Confession and Other Religious Works” is the product of years of introspection, resulting in a drastic reorientation of Tolstoy’s beliefs and values. He felt undeserving of the wealth and fame he had accumulated, while millions around him were illiterate and afflicted, and therefore sought an acceptable faith wherein he could find the answers to life’s most profound questions. In this autobiographical work of exceptional emotional honesty, he records his various attempts to find those answers in areas of science, philosophy, eastern wisdom, and the opinions of his fellow novelists. As a result of this process, Tolstoy recognizes in ordinary people a deep religious conviction, in which he may find the true answers to questions, without which life, to him, is impossible. This collection includes Tolstoy’s “Confession” as well as the following three other religious essays: “What is religion? and What is its Essence?”, “Religion and Morality”, and “The Law of Violence and The Law of Love.” This edition includes a biographical afterword.

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First published in 1947, Agnes Sanford’s “The Healing Light” is a classic of Christian literature and has been widely influential in the movement to recognize the healing power of prayer. A renowned religious writer and the founder of the Inner Healing Movement, which seeks to heal people’s emotions and memories through prayer and spirituality, Sanford and her work have had a profound impact on the way prayer is viewed by the faithful. In her groundbreaking work “The Healing Light,” Sanford takes a scientific and practical approach that is accessible to all readers and shows the incredible and positive changes that prayer can bring to one’s life. Sanford shows that God’s love and energy is limitless and once one connects to that power through prayer, one can find creativity, happiness, and healing of both the spiritual and physical kind. Sanford’s message is that this healing may be found by all of the faithful. She instructs that with an open heart, humble attitude, and a faithful devotion to the laws of God, His infinite power and love are available to all that seek it.

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First published in 1885 by South African religious leader and writer Andrew Murray, “With Christ in the School of Prayer” contains 31 powerful and inspiring lessons on prayer in daily life. While born in South Africa in 1828, as Murray’s father was a Dutch Reformed Church missionary sent from Scotland, Murray grew up educated in Scotland and later the Netherlands. He returned to South Africa in 1848 after his ordination, pastored several churches all over South Africa, and was an important forerunner of the later Pentecostal movement. Murray believed that prayer and striving to live a sinless and moral life must be the foundation for the faithful Christian. In support of this goal, Murray wrote this beautiful and personal guide to help incorporate prayer into daily life. Based on scripture, Murray shows how important the power of prayer and the abiding by God’s will is in the attainment of spiritual fulfillment. It is only through daily perseverance and devotion can the blessed power of prayer be realized. Each lesson ends with Murray sharing one of his own personal prayers and the result is a guide that continues to inspire and instruct nearly 150 years later.

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