A Physician to the Soul

In these pages a twofold purpose has been achieved, the restatement of the methods and laws of an ideal occupation in terms of living issues, and the inculcation of principles of self-help closely allied with this ideal. Chapters I, VII, and VIII are especially meant for those who would become physicians to the soul, the others more particularly for those who are seeking light on personal problems. The book was written in response to a number of requests hone of which I saw fit to meet precisely as stated. These requests in substance called for critical estimates of various theories of mental healing. Critical estimates are apt to be unpleasantly decisive, and it did not seem worthwhile to return to a field which I left several years ago. Moreover, the therapeutic movement within the church has suddenly put the situation in a new light. Hence it seemed more profitable to indicate what I believe to be the next advance, a step in accord with recent investigations in new fields. Finally, I have responded to a request for a refutation of "Christian Science" by writing an essay on the science of the Gospels. The book as a whole, then, is constructive, and it points the way to lines of work which may almost wholly supersede methods now in vogue. CAMBRIDGE, MASS, July 1908