PREFACE. The superficial observer, accustomed to weigh Literature by avoirdupois, will assert that this Work is too brief. The intelligent reader will know where to look for authorities; to cite or discuss them would be to compile an encyclopedia. John Lord's Beacon Lights of History, comprises fifteen volumes; Ridpath's Universal History, seventeen; the Library of Original Sources, ten; the Catholic Encyclopedia, eight; the Britanica, twenty-nine; the Americana is perhaps equally comprehensive; Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma is an extensive library of esoteric learning; and yet, in none of these, among the great volume of massive works, has the attempt to present the drama of our race and civilization, either in a continuous or comprehensive way, been made. The Individual who might seek to gain a comprehensive view of Man and his destiny from any "Five Foot Shelf" would lose his way amid mazes of speculative thought, become confused by the great mass of immaterial detail, or involve himself in mystic visions, so that the arms, extended to embrace what are but formless shadows, would return empty to his breast. The Author has sought to present the whole life story of our race and civilization in clear, concise, comprehensive language. More than Philosophy, more than Theosophy, more than Theol ogy, more than History, more than Literature, the purpose has been to make this work an education; to interest the candid reader in a continuous world drama, extending over thousands of years of authentic history, interwoven with all accessible knowledge bearing on the main theme -The Continuity of Individual Life; a study of those principles which have given Man control over the forces of nature; principles, which enable the Individual to master himself; principles, which make nations great; principles, which have made history; principles, which make civilization possible; principles, which every Individual should know in his efforts to make himself, his family, his country, better, happier, wis er. So long as Ignorance, Misery, and Vice shall continue to afflict mankind, Books, like this never can cease to be of general interest. If the purpose has been substantially accomplished, the fifteen years of continuous application required to prepare this manuscript have not been spent in vain. The Author. CHAPTER I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII The Cross XIV Marie The Hebrew Commonwealth Woman Equal to Man The Family Administration of Justice The Mosaic Law and Evolution Recreation The Kingdom of Solomon The Temple of Solomon Know Thyself The People of Ephraim |