The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-07-14
ASPECTS OF PSYCHOLOGY.
Subject Treated ey Dr.. Sanford in its Re-
Iaton to Faith.

ietbiSh ~ dIhl'
At o'clock in the evening DR.. San
ford delivered the first evening lecture
of the series, on the subject, Some
practical aspects of psychology" He
said in substance: There is no question
that is more often asked by stranger
visiting psychological laboratories than
this: What is the use of all this APP
paratus?"
The question, What is the use of
psychology at all?" might also be
asked.
1t is my purpose this evening to an
sWer the last of these questions.
The study of a science is primarily to
give order and proportion to all who
work in the human field; to increase
the scope and variety of knowledge 1
extend the name psychologist to every
one who works for all that is best in
life and humanity.
For long time the psychologist must
follow the work of practical men, and
only after long study can he seek out
for himself The best and keenest
minds for all time, all minds for all
times. bave been focused on the minds
Of their fellowmen. Every man has
been obliged to observe mental phe-
nomena. 1t would be in the last degree
surprising if the searches after psy-
chology did not find it difficult to% dis
cover something new. If one wishes TO
press the question whether psychology
Will ever make any practical startling
discovery, 1 could not say. He is a
bold man who would dare say psychol-
ogy will not make such discoveries.
How is psychology likely even in a.
reasonable time, to help a growing and
travelling life? 1t depends on the mean
ing of psychology. If only text book
psychology is meant, it is useless. if
1t is considered as a part of all life,
childhood and adult. it is beneficial.
Actual teaching is an art where
many features combine for success. A
colleague of mine found a teacher
training the pupils in wrong way. 1t
was a question of pronunciation In
that class many receive their first
training in INSTRUMENTATION. Psychol-
ogy alone will never make a teacner.
1t relates to pedagogy as physiology
does TO hygiene. Those who plan
courses of study or deal with studies,
find psychology useful.
In connection with law and penology,
ii has put new view on the criminal
In religion, the old corner stones are
being removed and new ones built, and
psychology has a large part in this
In relation to medicine, psychology has
a close relation. At the bedside of a
patient a doctor is able to study the
mind.
What light it may one day throw on
the treatment of the insane, is not vet
known.
Psychology has another aspect, in its
relation to faith. Our minds have
grown up very close to and connection
-sith the world about us. In the realm
of belief, nothing has ever been be-
lieved by considerable number OF men
for any length Of time that does not
contain an element of truth This is
the old definition of truth, that it has
been held everywhere, by all people
for all time. This is not setting up
public opinion as a criterion of truth
If psychology can so arrange the
rules of truth, will it assist us in this
line? I can illustrate by a few exam
pies how it will go to work. F. eX-
ample: ITO him that has, shall be
given. and from him that has NOT. even
-hat he mas shall be taken away from
HIM" In psychology this proves to be
nothing but the law of apperception
A student who has been to college but
a short time is broad on all subjects
but he in time narrows down to A spec
ialtY.
The growth of these apperceptive
groups is like bit of driftwood that
lodges in a river and finally by gather
ing to it other driftwood makes an is
land. Habit may make it natural to
think of this scripture phrase in only a
religious sense, but it holds as we'll for
every day life.
The basis of character is feeling. The
really deeper feelings hold the funda-
mental position because they have been
stamped in upon us.
If there is one thing more than an
other to test faith, 1t is remuneration.
The Annunciatia Germania denounces
the me" and mine" Nothing is con-
trary to God but self will. Self sur
render is the very crisis of the spirit of
conversion and is the theme of the
preacher and revivalist Such has been
the voice of saints and sinners, but has
not passed without condemnation.
We mean by remuneration the giving
up, and 1t is recommended as a road
to peace The cessation of conflict
brings peace always The peace which
passeth understanding is not known
only to mystics, but to everyday peo-
pie. If man will renounce God and
religion, he will find peace as truly as
he will If he renounces the devil and the
works of the flesh.
If this is true, why should we not
seek peace at once? From a psyche
logical standpoint it is less easy to
renounce God than it is to renounce
the devil. 1t is sometimes true that
to renounce evil has some effect. II
shows that evil is weaker and is being
triumphed over.
There is an active as well as passive
idea of remuneration. Every mental
state tends to express itself in action.
One has the painful knowledge how
hard it is to act promptly or when he
has two equally important things to
choose from.
1t is as q secret of effective action
that psychology teaches remuneration.
Mere Pronunciation does not mean a
high position in life. The rewards in
| Ifs are for those who are fitted for
them. The law of cause and effect holds
i here Renounce that you may have
strength and freedom Of action.
Thee are many givings up which
bring peace to the soul Free action
follows these as others. Every renun-
citation is rot to be recommended be-
cause 1t brings peace. There are penal
ties for all renunciations
| One may say that it is best to remain
passive and let the strongest take con-
troll of US.
In this rude and hasty sketch of the
psychology of remuneration have tried
to show how psychology may bring Or
der into difficult field. 1t may not do
more than tell how, however.
Suppose psychology has its perfect