"Let us try to understand each other," he said, after a pause--"though
it will be difficult. You speak of 'eternal realities.' To me there are
none, save the constant scattering and re-uniting of atoms. These, so
far as we know of the extraordinary (and to me quite unintelligent)
plan of the Universe, are for ever shifting and changing into various
forms and clusters of forms, such as solar systems, planets, comets,
star-dust and the like. Our present view of them is chiefly based on
the researches of Larmor and Thomson of Cambridge. From them and other
scientists we learn that electricity exists in small particles which we
can in a manner see in the 'cathode' rays,--and these particles are
called 'electrons.' These compose 'atoms of matter.' Well!--there are a
trillion of atoms in each granule of dust,--while electrons are so much
smaller, that a hundred thousand of them can lie in the diameter of an
atom. I know all this,--but I do not know why the atoms or electrons
should exist at all, nor what cause there should be for their constant
and often violent state of movement. They apparently always HAVE BEEN,
and always WILL be,--therefore they are all that can be called 'eternal
realities.' Sir Norman Lockyer tells us that the matter of the Universe
is undergoing a continuous process of evolution--but even if it is so,
what is that to me individually? It neither helps nor consoles me for
being one infinitesimal spark in the general conflagration. Now you
believe--"
"In the Force that is BEHIND your system of electrons and atoms"--I
said--"For by whatever means or substances the Universe is composed, a
mighty Intelligence governs it--and I look to the Cause more than the
Effect. For even I am a part of the whole,--I belong to the source of
the stream as much as to the stream itself. An abstract, lifeless
principle without will or intention or intelligence could not have
evolved the splendours of Nature or the intellectual capabilities of
man--it could not have given rise to what was not in itself."
He fixed his eyes steadily upon me.
"That last sentence is sound argument," he said, as though reluctantly
admitting the obvious,--"And I suppose I am to presume that 'Itself' is
the well-spring from which you draw, or imagine you draw, your psychic
force?"
"If I have any psychic force at all," I responded,--"where do you
suppose it should come from but that which gives vitality to all
animate Nature? I cannot understand why you blind yourself to the open
and visible fact of a Divine Intelligence working in and through all
things. If you could but acknowledge it and set yourself in tune with
it you would find life a new and far more dominant joy than it is to
you now. I firmly believe that your very illness has arisen from your
determined attitude of unbelief."
"That's what a Christian Scientist would say," he answered, with a
touch of scorn,--"I begin to think Dr. Brayle is right in his estimate
of you."