which it
first takes on its upward pathway, the experience of moral failure, its
second awakening, which is to an appreciation that the universe is on
its side, the part of Christ in promoting its awakening, the sense of
spiritual companionship by which it is ever attended, the discipline of
struggle, and the nurture and culture best fitted to promote its growth.
I have also sought to read some of the prophecies of the soul, and have
found them all pointing toward a continuance of its being beyond the
event called death, and toward the fullness of Christ as the goal of
humanity. I have found a place for prayers for the departed even among
Protestants of the strictest sects.

A study of the soul, like a study of history, inspires optimism. It is
hard to believe that it could have been intended first for perfection
and then for extinction. It is equally difficult to believe that any
soul will, in the end, be "cast as rubbish to the void."

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 sti