Amory H. Bradford's thought-provoking volume explores the nature of the soul and the spiritual growth that comes with introspection and self-awareness. Drawing from philosophical traditions across the globe, The Ascent of the Soul is a must-read for anyone interested in the nature of consciousness. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The scope of this book is best stated by the author in his opening chapter: "To trace some of the steps of what may be called the evolution of the spirit, or, in the light of modern knowledge, the growth of the soul as it moves upward. Given the spiritual being, what are the stages through which he will pass on his way to the goal toward which he is surely pressing." "Amory H. Bradford, D. D., the author of this suggestive book, is a leading Congregational minister, and belongs to the liberal wing of his denomination. Outside of that denomination he will well known as a thoughtful writer on latter-day subjects, and this new book will do much to extend his influence. Dr. Bradford is a theistic evolutionist, and as such represents that school of thinkers who believe that the evolutionary hypothesis can be made to consist with Christianity. If nowhere in this volume he obtrudes his belief in this respect, that belief none the less colors his thoughts. Aside then, from its religious merits, the book is one of much more than ordinary interest, and cannot fail to be helpful to man....Dr. Bradford writes excellent English; his style is clear and chaste, and remarkably free from verbiage; while every page reveals the severely conscientious and spiritually-minded thinker and the sincere lover of his kind....No one can follow him through these pages without feeling that he is with one who is doing him good." -The Literary World "A deep, searching, and vital study of great problems that confront the individual." -St. Paul Dispatch "Presents the distinctly spiritual aspect of the subject, especially in its practical bearings, with noticeable clearness, breadth, candor, and sympathy." -Buffalo Express "A thoughtful study of the spiritual life in man....Bradford's reflections and his growing experience, as time has passed, have inspired him with optimism. He has come to believe profoundly not only in the immortal life, but that no soul of man will ever, in the end, be 'cast as rubbish to the void,' because God's love cannot be defeated. In the 'fullness of Christ' is the soul's true goal, and for that all men, and not the elect few, were created. Believing thus, he finds a place for prayers for the dead, for the idea is to him untenable that when men die their state is irrevocably and forever fixed....His study of the soul's upward struggle, its sufferings, its disciplines, its conquests through Christ, will be felt as true by everyone, and his hopeful and trustful spirit knows no cry of defeat, but only the shout of victory." -The Christian Advocate "Dr. Bradford has been an influence and a force for right living, civic integrity, and high patriotism. He has always had strong convictions, has uttered them plainly and clearly, but has never scolded or fumed from pulpit or platform. Gentleness of manner and strength of purpose have united effectively in his work and in his personality." -New Outlook "The development, improvement, and final destiny of the individual soul....Dr. Bradford evidently recognizes the fact of future suffering for the impenitent. But he teaches that without exception, every soul will eventually be brought around to God's love." -The Christian Work and the Evangelist CONTENTS The Soul The Awakening of the Soul The First Steps Hindrances The Austere Re-Awakening The Place of Jesus Christ The Inseparable Companion Nurture and Culture Is Death the End? Prayers for the Dead The Goal Footnotes

The author of The Seven Storey Mountain explores the mysticism of Saint John of the Cross. The only thing that can save the world from complete moral collapse is a spiritual revolution. . . . The desire for unworldliness, detachment, and union with God is the most fundamental expression of this revolutionary spirit. In Ascent to Truth, author and Trappist Monk Thomas Merton makes an impassioned case for the importance of contemplation. Drawing on a range of thinkers—from Carl Jung to Pope Pius XII—Merton defines the nature of contemplative experience and shows how the Christian mysticism of sixteenth-century Spanish Carmelite Saint John of the Cross offers essential answers to our disquieting and troubling times. “For any who have the desire to look into meditation and contemplation . . . this is the book for which they have waited.” —New York Herald Tribune Book Review “For those who may be curious about mysticism, and for those who may be called to a life of contemplation, this is an excellent book.” —Catholic World