The Edinburgh & Dore Lectures on Mental Science

Another reviewer wrote... "Although many "New Thought" Authors quote Troward or credit him as being a pioneer in this movement, they depart from most all of his basic tenents in their wrtings. Most portray God as Mind which Troward does not. The main difference is whether we use God as most of the other Authors state or allow God to use us, which is the major line of demarcation between them and Trowad, and Scripture(s)." ... and I couldn't agree more. From "Think and Grow Rich," through, "The Secret," many authors and public speakers have claimed a lineage to Judge Troward's thoughts, but as the above reviewer noted, they part paths with him at one critical juncture. Whether it's through their inability to understand his works, or their desire to make it more appealing as some sort of "quick-fix," the essential message contained in Troward's writings is lost. Troward's central message about a Creative power in the universe - which is basically the root cause for all existence - is shared by quite a few "new thought" proponents. However, this is generally where the similarities end. The latter authors claim this principle/power can be harnessed to bring about the things and life we desire, and while Troward doesn't disagree with our ability or capability to do so, he tries to nudge the reader and/or student away from this line of thinking. The central point in Troward's teachings, as to interacting with this Creative power, is that we must allow It to direct us to It's ends - rather than trying to use It to attain our own. This may seem like a minor, inconsequential distinction, but it's essential to truly understanding his works. The central premise woven throughout his writings is that for this Creative force to even exist at all, every part must essentially be working in harmony, otherwise one part working against another would take away from the whole rather than adding to it. Which would ultimately go against two fundamental principles of It's own existence, namely, Life and Growth. In his words: "What we are to dwell upon is the idea of an Infinite Power producing the happiness we desire, and because this Power is also the Forming Power of the universe trusting it to give that form to the conditions (in our life) which will most perfectly react upon us to produce the particular state of consciousness desired." Rather than going on and on, I would urge whoever is seeking a very old path and trying to understand a very old principle, to not look elsewhere for the answers. Troward's works truly stand alone. The "Edinburgh & Dore Lectures," along with, "The Creative Process in the Individual," present the core of his teaching, however the others may help gain some perspective or clarify some of his points.

When I first decided that I wanted to become a Religious Science Practitioner, I was forewarned that I would probably have to study the writings of Thomas Troward. Most of the people I talked to said that his writing was pendantic, awkward, and cumbersome. When I finally did get into a class that exposed me to Troward, I wondered if I was reading the same man that these others had dismissed. I love this book. I really do. One reviewer said it was an "imperfect work". Well, mmmm...maybe...sure...why not...but if there is one thing that I have learned over the years of studying metaphysics and attemting to boldly apply my spirituality in "Ordinary, every day living" and that is, the Perfect is always within the Imperfect; that the Living God that makes all things new is waiting to be called forth in each and every moment. Troward does tend to write very long sentences without much puncuation and they can be awkward to read at times. But do not go into the reading looking for grammatical flaws, because if you do, you will surely find them. Instead, go into the reading with a willingness to know at a deeper level that God, the Infinite Source of all Creation is right where you are and this One Source is constantly supplying your every need. Life is always responding to our thoughts...to our feelings...look around your life...what is it reflecting? If you are undergoing illness, or personal tragedy, or setbacks, allow yourself to gently and quietly return to your Source. Not out of shame or regret or remorse or guilt, but out of a deep knowing that this Perfect Spirit will shine through the imperfect channel and make Itself known to you and through you. This is great book and it deserves to be in any great collection of metaphysical books. I recommend it highly for every page has at least one nugget of pure gold just waiting for you to embrace and make your own. Here's knowing that you are always in the right place at the right time and that God is always guiding you to your Highest and Best. Peace and Blessings.

Although many "New Thought" Authors quote Troward or credit him as being a pioneer in this movement, they depart from most all of his basic tenents in their wrtings. Most portray God as Mind which Troward does not. The main difference is whether we use God as most of the other Authors state or allow God to use us, which is the major line of demarcation between them and Trowad, and Scripture(s). This is great book to establish this and other basic Truths and to begin to come into the understanding of the relationship of the personal to the Universal. I totally recommend this book and Trowad's other books The Creative Process in the Individual and Bible Meaning & Bible Mystery as essential addtions to the library of the serious Disciple.

Having read most of New Thought Literature over the last few years, my quest for the origins and inspirations of current New Thought literature eventually led me to discover Judge Trowards incredible writings. I believe that our current "we'll believe it when we see it" mindset imprinted in our social memory banks can be a barrier to discovering the true nature and source of our own creative powers. To the analytical mind of today that needs a solid foundation and understanding of how his arguments may be true, I find there is no comparison. Though written in turn of the century language which can be a little heady, his discussions and logical conclusions on how we are "distribution centers for divine unlimited creative power" are simply brilliant. I have not found any single other New Thought book that attempts to explain by "logical argument" from beginning to end, the path that leads the reader to understand the Laws of Cause and Effect and The Descent of Spirit into Matter and how to use these Laws to Create our own positive, unlimited life. Incredible Life Changing Book. READ IT DAILY!

Today not known and obsure writer, Judge Troward writes in a powerful and unique way. His book cover areas such as: Spirit and Matter/Intution/Healing/The creative power of thought. Having read over the years hundreds of metaphysical and science of the mind books I found his work to be thought provoking, compelling and complex especially when he details the relation between the universal mind and the individual mind. His style is his own,a sample:"To get good results we must properly understand our relation to the great impersonal power we are using. It is intellegent,and we are intelligent, and the 2 intelligents must cooperate. We must not fly in the face of the Law by expecting to do for us what it can only do through us;and we should therefore use our intelligence with the knowledge that it is acting as the instrument of a greater intelligence; and because we have this knowledge we may, and should, cease from from all anxiety as to the final result.".....vintage Troward. Highly recommended for those looking for something more "heavy".