It is always best to believe the best.  This world and human life may be interpreted on the materialistic hypothesis; then matter is all and death is the gloomy finale to the tragedy of existence.  Or they may be interpreted according to the spiritual hypothesis; then within the body dwells the spirit; then the latter is but a tenant of the former.  If the house is destroyed the tenant goes elsewhere.  If we interpret the world, and human life, according to the materialistic theory all the beauty and joy of existence on the earth will disappear.  We will then live for a little time; and our loves, our disciplines, and our victories alike will be only delusions soon to be mercifully ended by death.  Possibly that is true; but, if it is true, then this universe is the embodiment of the most dismal, desolate, and diabolical thought that it is possible for a human being to conceive.  On the spiritual hypothesis all experiences are intended for the perfection of the soul.  Bodily limitations, physical sufferings, animal solicitations, may all be used so as to promote the development and perfection of the spirit.  When the body can do no more the soul will emerge purified and strengthened by contact with that which is physical.  It will then move from the narrow quarters in which it has dwelt into some larger and fairer room in the great palace of God.  Once more, I confess, we cannot demonstrate the truth of this faith, but it is always best for ourselves and for the world to believe the best.  With this faith human life is nobler, and human effort more persistent and enduring than it would be without it.  At the end “the finished product” will be larger, and more perfect, if there is something to strive for than if hope is destroyed the moment that aspiration is born.  I should be willing to rest my faith in immortality upon this one argument.  A rational being should be satisfied only with a rational answer to his questions; a moral being should be satisfied only with a moral solution of his problems.  This universe is neither rational nor moral if the soul ceases to be at the death of the body.  On the other hand, if the soul passes into another and ampler sphere all the mysteries are explained, and there is meaning even in the darkest passages of human experience.  All things work together for good to those who are willing to be led toward the higher things.

These are some of the reasons, with which all thinking persons are familiar, for believing that the soul continues its growth after the body has been laid aside.  Evolution has opened a new vista in human thought.  There had been vague suggestions of it before, but evolution has done much to confirm faith by its clear and strong testimony.  It prophesies the eternal growth of the spirit.  These prophecies are harmonious with those of the soul, and with the positive teachings of the Christian revelation.  This then is our conclusion:—­in the process of time, in accordance with natural law, our bodies