Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 2) (London, 1832)

272 MYSTERY OF SOOFEISM.

assembly, whether Soofies or mere visitors,
for many minutes after the principal devotee
had fallen to the floor. Water [was then pro-
cured, and animation gradually returned to the
poor exhausted devotee, but with considerable
delay. Meer Eloy Bauxh says he waited until
the Soofie was perfectly restored to sense, and
saw him taken to his place of abode; he then
returned to his own home to meditate on the
events of a day he never can forget."

Soofeism, it appears, (by the accounts I
have received,) is a mystery; the secret of
which can only be imparted by the professor
to such persons as have been prepared for its
reception, by a course of religious instruction.
No one can be initiated into the mystery who
has not first renounced all worldly vanities and
ambitious projects—who is not sincerely re-
pentant of past offences—who has not acquired
perfect humility of heart, and an entire resigna-
tion to the Divine Will—a lively faith in God,
and a firm determination to love and serve
Him, from a conviction, " That God alone is
worthy to be served, loved, and worshipped