a small circle of Theosophists. A continuation of that study has resulted in this volume. Some readers will regard it as a waste of energy, except as a diverting curiosity, the truth or falsehood of reincarnation being to them of little consequence. But a sincere motive underlies it. For reincarnation illuminates the darkest passages in the murky road of life, dispels many haunting enigmas and illusions, and reveals cardinal principles which, if apprehended, will steady the shambling gait of mankind. Virtue, kindliness, and spirituality may thus be seen in their unveiled splendor as the only proper modes of action and thought. The noblest life is discerned to be the only sensible kind, and not abandoned to the accidental expression of impulse or sentiment. The cause of all the evils of modern society, the parent of the revolutions of Europe, the source of the labor disturbances aggravating America, is the arch-enemy of the race materialism. Reincarnation combats that foe by a most subtle and deadly warfare. The sincere thanks of the writer are due to a number of kind friends, whose assistance has largely facilitated the collection of materials for this book, and also to the authors who have kindly permitted the use of extracts from their writings, (in chapters iv and v.) E. D. W. Of all the theories respecting the origin of the soul, it (pre-existence) seems to me the most plausible and therefore the one most likely to throw light on the question of a life to come. HEDGE. - FREDERICK H. It would be curious if we should find science and philosophy taking up again the old theory of metempsychosis, remodelling it to suit our present modes of religious and scientific thought, and launching it again on the wide ocean of human belief. But stranger things have happened in the history of human opinion. - JAMES FREEMAN CLARKE. If we could legitimately determine any question of belief by the number of its adherents, the quod semper, quod ubique, quod ab omnibus would apply to metempsychosis more fitly than to any other. I think it is quite as likely to be revived and to come to the front again as any rival theory. - PROFESSOR WILLIAM KNIGHT. It seems to me, a firm and well-grounded faith in the doctrine of Christian metempsychosis might help to regenerate the world. For it would be a faith not hedged round with many of the difficulties and objections which beset other forms of doctrine, and it offers distinct and pungent motives for trying to lead a more Christian life, and for loving and helping our brother-man. · PROFESSOR FRANCIS BOWEN. 66 1. Immortality demands it; 2. Analogy suggests it; 3. Science 66 III. WESTERN OBJECTIONS TO REINCARNATION 1 We have no memory of past lives; 2. It is unjust for us IV. WESTERN AUTHORS UPON REINCARNATION PAGE 15 49 63 V. WESTERN POETS UPON REINCARNATION 125 I. American Poets: Hayne, Whittier, Taylor, Landon, Aldrich, II. British Poets: Wordsworth, Gosse, Alford, Milnes, Tenny- III. Continental Poets: Boyesen, Hugo, Béranger, Goethe, IV. Platonic Poets: More, Milton, Anonymous, Shelley, VI. REINCARNATION AMONG THE ANCIENTS I. Brahmans; II. Egyptians; III. Pythagoras; IV. Plato; 193 I. The Gnostics; II. The Neo-Platonists; III. The Orthodox IX REINCARNATION IN THE EAST TO-DAY. I. Brahmanism; II. Buddhism; III. Zoroastrianism and Su- Extracts: 1. Kalidésa's "Sakoontala; " 2. The Katha Upani- XI. ESOTERIC ORIENTAL REINCARNATION 213 223 239 249 261 |
