In presenting the following pages to the world I desire to offer a few explanatory words concerning the form in which this book appears. During my 6 months' residence in the city of Washington, U. S. A., which comprised the winter of 1909-10, I was earnestly entreated by many friends to compile a volume which should embody the gist of a'very large number of lectures delivered during that period, especially those which dealt particularly with. The Sacred Books of the world.