Religion will no longer be a matter of mere sentiment, nor of emotion, of blind belief, nor of fear, superstition, dogma, nor creed—but a Great Work. So Mote it be.
The author of this volume can lay no claim for it as a systematic treatise on Psychology, either according to the rules of composition or the orderly sequence of science.
It is rather a number of essays, some of which were written without reference to publication, or the design, at the time, of putting them together in a single volume.
There is, therefore, more or less repetition, the same subject under a different title, viewed from a different aspect, yet involving the same principles, motives, and aims.
But the subject of Psychology is so vast, so intricate, so interesting and important, and yet, in the average mind, so confused, and so little known, that considerations from many sides, and even repetitions in the application of a given principle in various ways, are believed more likely to make the whole subject apprehensible to the general reader to whom it is addressed.
Moreover, the author believes that the time has come when Psychology, as a Constructive Science of the nature, laws, and destiny of the Human Soul, need no longer be regarded as unknown or unattainable, but open to all who seek it in the right way, giving to it the consideration, time, and loyalty it so amply deserves.
To such as these, it is hoped, the foregoing pages may give many clews and sidelights, suggestions, encouragement, and hope.
Psychology, to the Author of this volume, means literally A Knowledge of the Human Soul, rather than of treatises upon the subject, or of the opinions, beliefs, or dogmas of men.