It may be stated that in this work the Higher Powers of the Soul are dealt with specially in the light of the culture that may, and ought, to be given to them under the guidance and inspiration of Christ. This is the aspect of the subject which is kept steadily in view, and it accounts for the passages of exhortation that here and there occur.

Ample material for the philosophical study of the mental and moral capacities of man may be found in the standard text-books on Psychology, and in the writings of Professors Green, Sidgwick, and William James. But in following a practical line of treatment, such as that adopted in the foregoing pages, the expositor or preacher has to draw from his direct observation of the workings of human nature, and from the results of careful reflection on his own personal experience.

In addition to this, however, much valuable help may be obtained from the three separate "Studies in the Christian Character" which we owe to Dean Church, Bishop Paget, and Dr. J. R. Illingworth — works which are distinguished by their chasteness of style, fine insight, lofty range of thought, and intimate knowledge of the subject.

The rich stores of biographical literature may also be wisely utilised, as a means of furnishing concrete examples of the operation of those influences which tend most powerfully to mould the life of the soul.