" Prove all things ; hold fast that which is good."

THE Author of the following Chapters had no idea of publishing them in book form ; they were given Sunday evenings to a number of persons who were interested in all that would tend to make religion more spiritual. He was urged by some who had derived help, both spiritually and physically, from the talks, to put a number in book form. So he gives this little volume to the world, trusting that some soul may be helped thereby.

At a time when the world is more deeply agitated concerning spiritual matters, than it has been for many years ; when people are turning away, sick at heart, from a blind materialistic belief, which reaches no further than their mere physical bodies ; at such a time. whoever has a word of spiritual help or encouragement to give, let him not withhold it through any false pride. This is the only apology offered for the book.

By some it may be inferred that he is hostile to the churches ; he would like to be distinctly understood that in no way is he hostile to anything that teaches God and good. Why should any one, who is striving to follow in the footsteps of the Master, be hostile to any other of his followers, even if there is a difference of opinion regarding the non - essentials ?

All Christian churches, Protestant, Roman Catholic and Greek, are teaching that which is good and true ; neither would he except the Jew, Buddhist or Mohammedan, All are striving to teach truth according to their understanding. ALL HAVE SOME OF THE TRUTH; NONE HAVE ALL OF THE TRUTH.

His heart goes out to every soul who is seeking after a higher life, be they Christian or Pagan, “Behold all souls are mine,'' but it is the firm belief of the Author, that form and creed is the one thing above all others which prevents a union of all Christian denominations. If that union could be accomplished, the religion that Jesus taught would, without doubt, supersede all others. His earnest prayer is that the time may soon come, when such a union may be affected.

Hartford, Conn., October 16th, 1889.

Preface to SEEKING THE KINGDOM

"The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke xvii, 20, 21.”

SUNDAY EVENING TALKS ON Spiritual Science,

GIVEN AT OUR HOME

(Mental Science Institute).

BY

CHARLES BRODIE PATTERSON.

1889.