Cloth $1.20 net Postpaid $1.30 THE NEW OLD HEALING Second Edition 12mo Cloth $1.20 net Postpaid $1.30 VICTOR SERENUS A Story of the Pauline Era 12mo Cloth $1.25 Third Edition THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF HUMANISM Seventh Edition Any of the above, except the books at net prices, sent by mail, postage paid, on receipt of price. LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO. BOSTON AUTHOR OF 66 IDEAL SUGGESTION," One life permeates all things, and there is no corner of the Many things must wait for the vindication which time alone JUN221908 Gift of the Author. (1535) Published, June, 1908. COPYRIGHT, 1908, BY HENRY WOOD. All Rights Reserved. THE NEW OLD HEALING. Norwood Press J. S. Cushing Co. - Berwick & Smith Co. Norwood, Mass., U.S.A. PREFACE No effort is put forth to make this book distinctively technical. It is only an attempt to render helpful truth in familiar terms, and to show the way to its practical application. In some of our former works more elaborate explorations were made and wider psychological laws and relations logically formulated. The plan here followed may make the volume seem more like a scrap-book than a unitary treatise. Consecutive reading is not expected, but vital principles are presented as a kind of treasury of life and truth to be drawn upon as occasion invites. Daily contact with its thought is recommended. While in a conventional sense it is fragmentary, it is believed that in the final light of the philosophy of the Whole, the fragments will prove to be complementary and fitting. The general aim is to increase a popular appreciation of certain beneficent principles which are a common heritage, and which should be consciously shared by all. We are all aware that our natural reluctance to any unveiling of our past inner trials, experiences and aspirations is not easy to overcome. And yet, if we were more free in the disclosure of our subjec 5 tive life, we might understand each other better, and gain fresher and more life-like views of truth in selfapplication. It would savor less of theory and formality. Nothing less than the conviction that a few brief points in personal history may convey some exceptional hope effective for others would excuse a glance at a crucial period in the life of the author and in its change of direction. It is now twenty years since, when at the age of fiftyfour, he was in a mental and physical condition where life seemed a burden, and an overwhelming depression prevailed. More specifically, a long period of chronic neurasthenia, insomnia and dyspepsia was experienced which gave no promise of recovery, or even of partial relief. With the round of conventional means for betterment practically exhausted, in the natural order the termination seemed not far away. The forebodings and sufferings of a temperament of keen intensity may be but faintly imagined, except by the few who have dragged anchor in the treacherous quicksands of a similar experience. A plunge was made without reservation, from a supposedly correct, moral and ethical life into the practice and philosophy of the higher thought with new ideals. A sharp corner was turned and a new path entered which led to results which were remarkably favorable. Whatever may |