Publisher's Synopsis
Now that the therapeutic movement within the churches has disentangled the facts of experience from the shallow metaphysics of Mrs. Eddy, it is useful to hear a fresh discussion of the matter from a man of independent position. Mr. Dresser outlines the ideal occupation of a physician of the soul in a manner which suggests the philosophic house chaplain of the Roman Stoic circles, and "he illustrates the counsel which such a moral physician would give. A valuable chapter on the Power of the Spirit attempts to show the right adjustment of religious faith and experience Viewed with scientific precision, and the reviewer notes conclusions which seem like a fresh statement of Chaning's leading idea. At the close of the book a "true" Christian Science is expounded on the basis of the preaching of Jesus, but it is quite plain that Mr. Dresser reads the gospels in the light of his modern idea.
-Unity, Vol. 61 [1908] The purpose of the new volume, "A Physician to the Soul," by Dr. Horatio W. Dresser, the author of "Living by the Spirit," and other books on the inner life, is to apply the idealism of the previous volumes to individual problems. A portion of the book is devoted to the principles which underlie the work of adaptation to individual needs, and is especially meant for teachers, ministers, and others who wish to become physicians to the soul. The remainder of the book is addressed to those who have personal problems to solve. In the form of letters to various people needing help, Dr. Dresser expounds practical methods of thought in a very personal, immediate sort of way. These modes of thought arc intended to indicate the next step beyond mental healing as commonly practiced. Particularly timely is a discussion of the new experiment known as the "Emmanuel Movement," also an essay entitled "The True Christian Science."
-The Pacific Unitarian, Vol. 16 [1907]