The Law and the Word: Thomas Troward’s Posthumous Masterpiece

The Law and the Word, published posthumously in 1917, stands as Thomas Troward’s final synthesis of his metaphysical philosophy, a work that crystallizes the core tenets of the New Thought movement. Written by a British judge who spent decades in India, the book bridges Eastern mysticism and Western rationalism, offering a systematic exploration of how thought shapes reality. This article examines the historical context of its creation, the life of its author, the book’s central arguments, and its enduring influence on the New Thought tradition and beyond.

Historical Context

The New Thought movement emerged in the late 19th century from the mind-cure movement, which itself drew on the ideas of Phineas Quimby, a clockmaker and healer who argued that illness was rooted in erroneous beliefs. Quimby’s methods influenced Mary Baker Eddy, who founded Christian Science, and later Emma Curtis Hopkins, who trained many New Thought leaders. The movement also absorbed elements of Transcendentalism, particularly the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson, and the mystical philosophy of Emanuel Swedenborg. By the early 20th century, New Thought had become a diverse network of teachers and organizations, including Unity (founded by Charles and Myrtle Fillmore), Divine Science (Nona Brooks and Malinda Cramer), and later Religious Science (Ernest Holmes). Thomas Troward, though not an American, became a key figure in this movement through his books, which were widely read in the United States. His work, including ‘The Law and the Word’, provided a philosophical foundation that appealed to the movement’s emphasis on the power of the mind to shape health, prosperity, and happiness.

Main Narrative

Publication History

The Law and the Word was first published in May 1917 by Robert M. McBride & Company of New York, following Troward’s death in 1916. The copyright was held by S.A. Troward, his wife. The book was released in the United States and quickly became a staple of New Thought literature. It was later republished in various editions, including a 2005 Project Gutenberg ebook and a 2017 edition from Dancing Unicorn Books distributed by Simon & Schuster.

Author

Thomas Troward (1847–1916) was a British civil servant who served as a Divisional Judge in the Punjab region of India. His legal and administrative career exposed him to Eastern philosophy, which he combined with Western scientific thought. He became a prominent writer on mental science, delivering lectures that were later published as ‘The Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science’ (1904) and ‘The Dore Lectures’ (1909). He was also a vice-president of the International New Thought Alliance and an honorary member of the Medico-Legal Society of New York. Troward’s influence on later New Thought writers, including Ernest Holmes and Joseph Murphy, is widely acknowledged.

Historical Setting

The book was written in the wake of World War I, a period of profound social and intellectual upheaval. The early 20th century saw a growing interest in psychology, theosophy, and the power of the subconscious mind. Troward’s work reflects this zeitgeist, offering a rational, almost scientific approach to spiritual law. His ideas also resonated with the New Thought movement’s desire to move beyond the dogmatic aspects of Christian Science and embrace a more universal, philosophical perspective.

Main Arguments

In ‘The Law and the Word’, Troward distinguishes between the impersonal ‘Law’—the universal principle of cause and effect—and the ‘Word’, the personal, creative expression of individual consciousness. He argues that by aligning one’s thoughts with the Law, individuals can harness creative power to shape their lives. The book explores the relationship between thought energy and scientific reasoning, proposing that the mind operates according to laws that can be understood and applied.

Key Concepts

The book’s chapters outline Troward’s core ideas. ‘Some Facts in Nature’ examines the physical world as an expression of mental principles. ‘Some Psychic Experiences’ discusses the role of intuition and inner perception. ‘Man’s Place in the Creative Order’ positions humanity as a co-creator with the divine. ‘The Law of Wholeness’ emphasizes the importance of seeing the interconnectedness of all things. ‘The Soul of the Subject’ explores the relationship between the conscious and subconscious mind. ‘The Promises’ addresses the biblical promises as metaphors for spiritual laws. ‘Death and Immortality’ considers the continuity of consciousness beyond physical death.

Reception

Upon its publication, ‘The Law and the Word’ was praised for its clarity and depth. It became a standard text in New Thought study groups and was cited by many teachers. Ernest Holmes, founder of Religious Science, acknowledged Troward’s influence on his own work, particularly the concept of the Law of Mind. The book also attracted readers outside the New Thought movement, appealing to those interested in metaphysics and the philosophy of mind.

Influence

The book’s impact on New Thought is profound. It helped to systematize the movement’s teachings and provided a bridge between Eastern and Western thought. Troward’s emphasis on the ‘Word’ as a creative force influenced later writers like Joseph Murphy, whose book ‘The Power of Your Subconscious Mind’ drew on similar ideas. The concept of the Law of Attraction, popularized in the 21st century, also traces its roots to Troward’s teachings.

Editions

The original 1917 edition was followed by numerous reprints. The Project Gutenberg ebook, released in 2005, made the text freely available online. The Internet Archive also hosts a digitized copy of the original edition. In 2017, Dancing Unicorn Books published a new edition, distributed by Simon & Schuster, ensuring the book’s continued availability.

Where to Read

Readers can access ‘The Law and the Word’ through Project Gutenberg (www.gutenberg.org), the Internet Archive (archive.org), and the New Thought Library (newthoughtlibrary.com). These platforms offer free digital copies, while print editions are available from various publishers.

Why It Matters in New Thought History

The Law and the Word occupies a unique position in New Thought literature. It represents the culmination of Troward’s philosophical project and offers a comprehensive framework that integrates science, religion, and philosophy. The book’s emphasis on the law of mind and the creative power of the word helped to shape the development of Religious Science and other New Thought denominations. It also contributed to the movement’s intellectual credibility, presenting its teachings in a logical and systematic manner. For students of New Thought history, the book remains a vital primary source, illuminating the movement’s core ideas and their evolution.

Primary Sources

• The Law and the Word by Thomas Troward (1917) – The original text, available at Project Gutenberg and the Internet Archive.
• The Edinburgh Lectures on Mental Science by Thomas Troward (1904) – Troward’s earlier work, establishing his philosophical approach.
• The Dore Lectures by Thomas Troward (1909) – A collection of lectures on mental science.
• Letters and papers of Thomas Troward – Held in various archives, including the International New Thought Alliance records.
• The Christian Science Journal (early issues) – Provides context for the mind-cure movement.
• Unity Magazine and other New Thought periodicals – Document the reception of Troward’s ideas.