CHAP. XXIV. Right Mode of securing the Object for which Mind was created 212 CHAP. XXV. Wrong Action of Mind and its Causes 220 CHAP. XXVI. Wrong Action of Mind and its Results in this Life 224 CHAP. XXVII. Wrong Action of Mind and its Results in a Future State 233 CHAP. XXVIII. Character of the Creator 245 CHAP. XXIX. On Perfect and Imperfect Minds 250 CHAP. XXX. On the probable Existence and Character of Disembodied Spirits 258 CHAP. XXXI. Probabilities in regard to a Revelation from the Creator 261 CHAP. XXXII. Interpretation of Language 265 Addenda to Vol. I. 281 Notes 337 INTRODUCTION. This work is the result of thirty years of devotion to the training of the human mind for the great end for which it was created. Early in that period it was felt that at the very foundation of such efforts were opposing _theological theories_, that seemed at war with both the common sense and the moral sense of mankind. In the progress of such duties, a work was prepared on _Mental and Moral Science_, as a text-book for the institution under the care of the writer, which was printed, but never published. After submitting this work to the criticism of a number of the leading minds of various schools and sects, it was found to contain so much that might result in theological controversy, that it was deemed modest and wise to wait until age, experience, and farther examination had lent their maturing influence. After a delay of over a quarter of a century, the conviction above stated not only remains, but has been strengthened by the discussions and developments that have intervened in that period. While the great practical truths both of natural and revealed religion have seemed constantly to be gaining a more controlling influence over the intellect and feelings of mankind, the theological dogmas referred to have been more and more evaded or rejected, even by those who receive and respect the Bible as containing authentic and authoritative revelations from God. At the same time, there is apparent a manifest and strong tendency, especially among the young and most highly-educated of both sexes, to _infidelity_; not to that species of a former age which involved a hatred and contempt for the Bible, nor to the entire rejection of it as a very respectable and useful collection of most interesting writings, but to a rejection of it as a _sure and authoritative guide in faith and morals_.