book is now published. It is addressed neither to

the learned nor to the devout, who are already in possession of a wide literature dealing from many points of view with the experiences and philosophy of the mystics. Such readers are warned that they wdl find here nothing but the re-statement of elemen- tary and familiar propositions, and invitations to a discipline immemorially old. Far from presuming to instruct those to whom first-hand information is both accessible and palatable, I write only for the larger class which, repelled by the formidable appear-
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PRACTICAL MYSTICISM
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once of more elaborate works on the subject, would yet like to know what is meant by mysticism, and what it has to offer to the average man : how it helps to solve his problems, how it harmonises with the duties and ideals of his active life . For this reason, I presuppose in my readers no knowledge whatever of the subject, either upon the philosophic, religious, or historical side . Nor, since I wish my appeal to be general, do I urge the special claim of any one theo- logical system, any one metaphysical school. I have merely attempted to put the view of the universe and man’s place in it which is common to all mystics in plain and untechnical language : and to suggest the practical conditions under which ordinary persons may participate in their experience. Therefore the abnormal states of consciousness which sometimes appear in connection with mystical genius are not discussed : my business being confined to the descrip-* tion of a faculty which all men possess in a greaterf or less degree. '
The reality and importance of this faculty are considered in the first three chapters. In the fourth and fifth is described the preliminary training of attention necessary for its use ; in the sixth, the
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PREFACE
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general self-discipline and attitude toward life which it involves . The seventh, eighth, and ninth chapters treat in an elementary way of the three great forms of contemplation ; and in the tenth, the practical value of the life in which they have been actualised is examined. Those kind enough to attempt the perusal of the book are begged to read the first sections with some attention before passing to the latter part.
E. U.
September 12, 1914.
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CONTENTS
CHAP*
PAGE
Preface * * . *
♦
♦ vii
I* What is Mysticism i .
. I