Note.

This book, “The Spirit of the Word,” is a compilation of a periodical published by the late A. P. Adams of Beverly, Massachusetts. It begins with the March issue of 1885 through February 1886. There are other works, earlier and later by Mr. Adams. These writings are very rare, and treasured highly by the few who have them in their possession. Since this is true, we feel that many of God's dear people will be grateful for this posting of his writings.

PREFACE:
“TRUTH FOR TRUTH'S SAKE”

Having spent a quarter of a century in the ministerial profession, seeking, ever seeking aggressively, searching in the great field of Theology for TRUTH; digging, mining, prospecting, excavating, and exploring every possible avenue of greater light and deeper truth, (Prov. 2:2-5) and all the while living in, and advocating only the letter of the Word, and having very little, if any conception of the true “SPIRIT of the Word.”

The late Mrs. George N. Brewer of San Francisco, having read some of our writings on “Reconciliation of all things”, reciprocated by sending me a small copy of Mr. A. P. Adams booklet entitled “The True Basis of Redemption.” But receiving so much literature, I let it go unnoticed for several years, not realizing that I had within my grasp the unsearchable riches of hidden wisdom within this small insignificant booklet.

Then one day God stepped definitely into my life as he did into Saul's life on the Damascus road, and caused a shaft of glorious light to burst and spangle all around me. I was momentarily blinded with its brilliance. Its glory animated me with a new life.

I had an accident, losing two fingers on my right hand, during which time I contracted Virus Pneumonia. As I lay on my bed feeling the physical life leaving me, fully resigned to my Father's will, and having no fear of passing, God became vividly real to me and showed me the futility of the self or soulical life: showing me “that if I sought to save my life (self), I would lose it. But if I would lose my life, (let it go, count it as nought), I would find it in Him (the life of the Spirit). I was to die “and my life to be hid with Christ in God.” (Col. 3:14). Now He lives in me, and I live his life. (Gal. 2:20).

Shortly following my illness, a very dear and precious sister in the Lord, ‘Sister Jessie Grant of Los Angeles, handed me without solicitation, a well-worn copy of Mr. A. P. Adams book entitled “The Spirit of the Word.” Immediately, as I began reading this work, the Holy Spirit came upon me anew. Within my consciousness a new heaven and a new earth took form. A complete transformation is mine mentally, physically and spiritually. I have been made alive. Yes, resurrected and caught up to sit with Christ in celestial places. (Eph. 2:5-7). A new life is ours. A new creation is rising; a new world wherein we know that “All things are of God.” (2Co. 5:17,18).

“God is great and greatly to be praised.” Psalms.

Louis Finley
Los Angeles, California