In these studies I have tried ever to be mindful of my own limitations, and not to forget that a fraction of humanity can never hope to comprehend the fullness of truth. Of that side of the spiritual sphere which has been turned toward me, and of that alone, have I presumed to write. All that I claim for this book is that it is the contribution of one, anxious to know what is true, toward a better understanding of a subject which is daily receiving wider recognition and more thorough consideration. AMORY H. BRADFORD. MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY, _August 30, 1902._ CONTENTS Page The Soul 1 The Awakening of the Soul 25 The First Steps 47 Hindrances 71 The Austere 97 Re-Awakening 125 The Place of Jesus Christ 151 The Inseparable Companion 181 Nurture and Culture 209 Is Death the End? 237 Prayers for the Dead 265 The Goal 289 THE SOUL It is no spirit who from heaven hath flown And is descending on his embassy; Nor traveler gone from earth the heaven t'espy! 'Tis Hesperus--there he stands with glittering crown, First admonition that the sun is down,-- For yet it is broad daylight!--clouds pass by; A few are near him still--and now the sky, He hath it to himself--'tis all his own. O most ambitious star! an inquest wrought Within me when I recognized thy light; A moment I was startled at the sight; And, while I gazed, there came to me a thought That even I beyond my natural race Might step as thou dost now:--might one day trace Some ground not mine; and, strong her strength above, My soul, an apparition in the place, Tread there, with steps that no one shall reprove! --Wordsworth. I _THE SOUL_ Subjects which a few years ago were regarded as the exclusive property of cultured thinkers, are now common themes of thought and conversation. Psychology has been popularized. Materialistic doctrines are at a discount even in this age of physical science. It is difficult to explain the somewhat sudden appearance of intense interest in questions which have to do with the life of the spirit; but, whatever the theory of its genesis, there is no doubt of its presence. This, therefore, is a favorable time for a somewhat extended study of the stages through which we pass in our spiritual growth. I shall endeavor to use the inductive method in this inquiry, and trust that I am not presumptuous in giving to these essays the title, THE ASCENT OF THE SOUL.