Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood

Written by gifted teachers in a time and place even more troubling than where we are in the world today. In the shadow of the bombing of Hiroshima, the emergence of the global nuclear threat, the Great Depression and numerous other profound challenges, I find amazing comfort and expert guidance in a wonderful "bite sized" format. Starting my day with a careful focus on one of these one to three page guided walks into peaceful joy is very special for me. If you are looking for soul rest, give this a try.

These epistles were printed in a religious weekly from 1934 to 1948, then they were gathered and published in book form. Many of them were written in the difficult days of World War two. The letters have been interpolated with quotations from the great company scattered the world over who have found faith to walk in immortality now. The letters, we are told, are not written by one person, yet the likeness of terminology and viewpoint make them appear to be from one mind. One thing is certain these letters come from a higher register. Mary Holbrook Wilson Strong arranged the letters and gathered the quotes in this wonderful spiritual resource of a book.

I first found Letters of the Scattered Brotherhood as a discard on a religious book rack. It was an old, out of print hardcover edition, and I came to treasure it. Unfortunately, one day I left it on a bench, and didn't find it when I went back. I have grown to believe that someone who needed it more than I at that moment found it. That seems to be the way it came to me. I have since replaced it with the newer, paperback version, and I still value it greatly. It is a book you can open to any spot, at any time, in any need, and find something to speak to you. Truly timeless and inspired.

I first came across this book when I was in high school forty years ago and I have loved it ever since. It is a true classic of western spirituality, filled with wisdom and practical insights. I have given many copies away and have used it as a text in classes on spirituality. I come back to it over and over again, and it still remains fresh and new. If I had to pick one book to take with me to a desert island to be a spiritual companion, it would be this one. Outstanding!

I came across this book that was being discarded by the Quaker meeting I was attending. Since then, I have read one of the letters each morning and evening before my meditations. Sometimes I read the same letter over and over until its meaning penetrates my consciousness. Though I have read this book over 20 times, each reading is fresh,and brings new wisdom and confidence and joy. And it seems to have a magical quality- each reading feels as though it was written specifically for the issues that I am grappling with at that moment. I have always thought of it as my own personal book, given to me through some act of grace. I am so glad to read that others have responded to it in a similiar way. It is truly a great spiritual guide, simple and profound.