its powers enormously increased, increased in proportion to the increase of the Space in which it works; for it is emancipated from the limitations which were imposed. upon it in our Lower Space. Of these limitations we are not always conscious; to recognise the fact that they are due to the conditions of our Space requires a little thought. But it is to be hoped that the preceding discussion of the Lower Spaces has made this tolerably clear, for in truth there is no new principle involved.

VII

THE WORLD OF THE UNSEEN

I WILL call this Space The World of the Unseen.

This will at once suggest what is in my mind, viz. that it is not empty, not peopled only by imaginations and dreams, but full of life and activity, with all things that are necessary for the expression of that activity, and the maintenance and enjoyment of that life.

It is of necessity that the only proof that can be given in favour of this assumption must depend on circumstantial evidence, of which the force is largely cumulative. But this is no more than another way of saying that we are considering something that is out of reach. The

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same kind of proof is regarded as being valid in connection with other questions which deal with what is out of reach and out of sight; there is therefore no reason, so far, why it should not be the same in this case also.

The proof must consist in the answers which are given to questions such as these

Does this theory explain what we know to be facts, though hitherto without explanation?

Does it remove any difficulties which have puzzled us?

Does it reconcile any apparent contradictions?

I hope and think that it does. And if this be shewn to be the case, the cumulative force of the argument will be largely increased by every additional success. Moreover, each case in which the theory is justified by its results, will present the thought of Higher Space in such a way as to tend to the satisfying of those who

may have hesitated to receive it, on the ground that they cannot understand the conception, and do not regard the previous argument as being sufficient to establish the existence of a real Space beyond our Space, lying in an unknown direction, infinitely larger than our Space, and in perfect contact with it.

VIII

CONCERNING THE DEPARTED

We have now seen some of the principles on which we are to depend, and are sufficiently equipped to proceed to the discussion of some of the questions which we are to consider.

The first of these is a very interesting one. It is this. Where do they dwell that are departed hence in the Lord? What is their condition?

These are questions which have received very many answers, and these answers by no means agree together.

When we speak of the Departed we are obliged to use the greatest caution; and I cannot think that our thoughts of them are even tolerably satisfactory.