THE ELECTRICAL THEORY OF CREATION WILL SAVE MODERN SCIENCE FROM
PANTHEISM
It is marvelous the number of scientists who question the fact as to
whether there is a personal God, and who look upon the universe and its
laws and operations as the manifestation of a universal intelligence
that has no existence except as it is infused as an invisible force
through all nature. In other words, pantheism, or belief in a world-God,
has been taking the place of the materialism of the past century. And a
vast array of distinguished agnostics, so-called, from Darwin, Spinoza,
Huxley and Haeckel to Ingersoll, were really believers in pantheism.
Haeckel says he adheres to the Monism of Spinoza which, he says, is
"matter, or infinitely extended substance; and spirit or energy, which
is sensitive and thinking substance. These are the two fundamental
attributes or principal properties of the all-embracing, divine essence
of the world--the universal substance." What is this but pantheism of
the rankest old, obsolete, pagan kind? What is "the all-embracing divine
essence of the world--the universal substance," but a substitute for
God,--a God which is simply the substance of the world--a world-God.
According to this, all the elements of the universe are parts of Deity.
The crystalline rocks and metals of the earth, the dust we kick from
our feet, the manure of the stable, and the odor of decaying vegetation
are all a part of the body of God. And this, they claim, is the God of
the universe, and the only God there is.
This is a fair analysis of pantheism, of Haeckelism, Darwin and
Huxleyism, Ingersoll and agnosticism. What a shame on human reason! Yet
these great thinkers, seeing the intelligibility of nature, its
uniformity of laws and operations, without a knowledge of electricity
were forced to this conclusion.
A recent pamphlet by F. E. Titus, a barrister of Toronto, entitled "The
Pantheism of Modern Science," says: "A summary of recent investigations
into life, force and substance and the opinions based by scientists
thereon leads up to the conclusion that there is in nature a universal
mind controlling and permeating nature's manifestations."
In this I agree, but it is the universal mind of Deity as manifested
through the marvelous creative forces of electricity. But this writer
sums up his facts and theories, and concludes that the pantheism of the
universe is the only explanation of all the countless and complicated
forces and organisms of life which are to be found everywhere. And he
contends the modern tendency of science is back to the old discarded
pagan belief of pantheism. Even Flammarion seems imbued with that idea,
and Haeckel championed it in his monistic theories. But as a knowledge
of electricity has killed materialism, so will it defeat and destroy
pantheism. This lawyer-scientist thinks nothing can prevent science from
falling into the arms of pantheism, and he champions it vigorously.
But for the discovery of electricity this would have been an age of
scientific materialism and pantheism. But the marvelous powers of this
invisible force appals the stolid thinkers on "solid matter." They have
found there is no solid matter, and that all matter in its primary form,
and all force is as invisible as spirit, and that the universe swings on
invisible forces as intangible as mind and as potent and inscrutable as
destiny.
The conflict in the future between religion and Atheism will be chiefly
a belief in a God that cares, or a God that does not care; and in
science between an electric universe controlled by spirit and a
pantheistic universe that thinks and feels in all its parts, and is
itself the God of all. This last is virtually the position of Darwin,
Huxley and all the agnostics from them to Ingersoll, and embraces
Haeckel's moneism in its definition.
Let us see from whence they get their facts on which they base their
theories. They say: "The evolution going on in the inorganic world is an
evolution of intelligent life." I say that what they call intelligence
is the result of electric laws and affinity; that the selection of atoms
and their repulsion and the building of matter into substance and form
is the intelligent operation of these electric laws, which originated in
the infinite intelligence and power of the Creator. They say: "The soil
maintains life because it is living matter itself." And I agree with
them, and say all matter is living matter because it is permeated with
electric life and energy and governed by electric law.
They say: "Metals in fact are sensitive things, like living organisms."
I say they are "sensitive" because they are easily electrified, and
respond quickly to magnetic energy. They say, with Dr. Thomas Young,
"There are all gradations of substance stretching all the way from the
solid material to the spiritual, and gradations of consciousness from
the inert mineral to the highest manifesting God." And I agree with them
in a sense, for the consciousness in matter is electric energy, and in
God and man it is spirit.
That these electric laws are intelligent, constant and wonderful we have
abundant proof every day of our existence. Prof. Japp of the British
Association says: "No fortuitous concourse of atoms, even with all
eternity for them to clash and combine in, could compass the feat of the
formation of the first optically organic compound." This is true, for
only the infinite wisdom of creative law and electric energy could do
it. It is not fortuitous or accidental; it is in accord with nature's
perfect laws of electric combinations.
I am willing to admit that "inherent selective and directive force" is
exhibited in organic and inorganic matter. And I explain it by the laws
of electro-magnetism. Agnostic pantheism has no explanation. They say
that nature shows some sense and intelligence; therefore nature, the
world, this great globe, is God.
They quote from their great authority, Huxley, who said that "Life was
present potentially in matter when in the nebulous form and was unfolded
from it by the way of natural development." I am willing to admit it,
and to go one step further, and say it was there before the nebulæ was
formed in the electric currents of life and power, which are the first
manifestations of creative force. The potentiality of all physical life
was there in those electric currents, but not the spirit or soul-life of
man. That came long after, when the animal organism had been evolved and
perfected.
Yes, truly, in a natural sense, as Kingsley says: "Water hates the oil
with which it refuses to mix; and lime loves the acid which it receives
into itself, and like a lover grows warm with the rapture of its
affection." This refusal of water and oil to mix is caused by electric
repulsion, and lime and acid is a simple form of electric attraction.
Then the pantheists dwell on what they call the "soul-life of plants,"
the intelligence of birds and beasts, and the regularity of seasons,
years, and earth and sun revolutions, and all natural phenomena, which
they say proves the world is God. All of which I have endeavored to
explain by electrical law and processes; and they conclude all these
things prove the pantheism of the universe.
Let us notice some of the wonderful workings and transmutations in
nature on which the advocates of pantheism rely. Mr. Titus, as one of
its champions, says: "There is a common bond of unity between the
different kingdoms of nature--the mineral, vegetable and animal. That
there is some primal atomic or common condition, some homogeneous
substance in nature, some elemental essence from the aggregations and
combinations of which all forms are built up." This is undoubtedly true,
and proves that in the atoms and electric laws of nature there are ample
means for the creation of infinite substances and countless organic
beings. This does not prove pantheism. It only proves progressive, wise
electric, natural laws and forces. This "elemental essence from which
all forms are built" I have shown elsewhere to be the ocean of
electro-magnetism permeating all space and all life forms.
He says: "The processes of digestion and assimilation in man furnish
evidence" of these things. That "the vegetable kingdom has power to
assimilate earth and mineral and change it into vegetable, and in turn
is digested and assimilated by the animal, and converted into an
entirely different kingdom of nature." This is true, and I have shown
how this is purely an electric process.
The dream of the alchemist, of the transmutation of metals, is mere
child's-play compared with the processes of nature occurring every day
in the human body. These are all electric transmutations by means of
respiration, by digestion and assimilation of food, whereby a great
variety of substance is converted into blood and bone, tissue and
muscle, and all the functions of life preserved. It is also a correct
statement that "all forms of matter have as their basis one common
element, denominated primordial matter, protoplasm and homogeneous
substance, all intended to designate the first form of matter."
This is true, and we found the first form of matter to be the electric
currents of space, and the second form of matter to be the atom or
molecule, and afterwards came the primordial cell or protoplasm. We also
found that there was and is a common reservoir of life which stands back
of its myriad manifestations upon the physical plane; a great ocean of
vitality, which each organized being absorbs and gives out as we inhale
and exhale the air we breathe. And that reservoir of life is the vast
ocean of electro-magnetism in which all things float and exist as in a
sea of magnetic life-giving power.
The old hypothetical atom and stolid or solid matter was dead, according
to the scientists of a few decades ago. But the electrician, dealing
with a higher grade of matter, found that the old idea of matter as dead
and inert was untrue, and would not accord with the facts. So that a new
definition of an atom had to be formulated, defining it as an electric
center of force and motion. And some physicists deem life to be
co-eternal with matter. Which is not an unreasonable hypothesis as
applied to physical life and substance.
Prof. Tyndall in 1872 said: "Life was present potentially in matter when
in the nebulous form, and was unfolded from it by the way of natural
development." In this I agree with Prof. Tyndall as to all life, except
the spiritual or psychic life of man. And I have elsewhere tried to show
how physical life came from the electric currents which formed the
nebula, and which was afterwards woven into the earth by electric and
atomic assimilation.
Ah! now we come to the gist of all this scientific trouble--pessimistic,
agnostic and pantheistic. It is this: "Modern science is firmly rooted
in the conviction that inherent powers and qualities gradually unfolded
under the operation of natural laws, rather than in a supernatural,
extra-cosmic volition introducing arbitrarily new forces." And modern
science is partly right. She is right in her facts and her conclusions
on this vital and basic point as to all physical creations and natural
forces and powers. But I insist that the creation of the soul or
psychic life and powers of man are an exception, and do not come within
the domain of physical creations. They are on a higher plane and as much
above the realm of material forms and substances as our sun is above the
earth. They belong to the spiritual world, to the realms of Deity, to
the kingdom of God and the hosts of heaven.
They are a part of the great natural forces of the universe. Theologians
call them supernatural forces, but they are the natural creative and
controlling forces that have sovereignty over all the vast and
complicated forms of the visible, material universe.
Therefore on the physical facts of organic creation I agree generally
with the scientists. And if they had been informed in some of the vital
and intelligent processes of electrical creation, they would never have
believed in pantheism, or been pessimistic sceptics or hopeless
agnostics. And in my judgment the only thing that will redeem modern
science from pantheism is the prevalent belief in and acceptance of the
theory of electrical creation.
This will explain the harmony, intelligence, continuity and perfection
of the physical universe, and relieve their minds of all grounds for
scepticism.
There is "an intelligence or selective power" in matter. There is a
great "Chemist-Physicist" superintending nature's operations, sorting
out two parts of hydrogen and one of oxygen to compose the raindrop and
the waters of the ocean. It is no "fortuitous concourse of atoms," which
accomplishes these results and preserves the life of the world. It is
the omniscient wisdom embraced in the laws and forces of electric
energy, which is the right hand of Deity and the word of Creative power.
To show the possibility and ease with which many of the Bible miracles
could have been performed by natural processes at the volition of Divine
power, Dr. Albert G. Geyser of New York City, on May 14, 1903, according
to the New York World, elucidated many of the miracles by the use of
electricity and the X-ray. This he did before the members of the
priesthood of the Holy Name Society of St. Anselm's Church, to whom he
said he felt he would be able to demonstrate that the miracles were in
no way inconsistent with science. After setting up his apparatus, he
said:
"For centuries those who thought deeply on the matter have been puzzled
with grave doubts as to the possibility of God being all-seeing and
all-hearing. What did the telephone reveal thirty years ago? Did it not
reveal forces in nature that would allow men to hear voices at great
distances? And now, thanks to the great Roentgen invention of only nine
years ago, we are able to see through a four-foot wall simply by means
of this puny apparatus."
Then he set the great glass wheels of his battery in action and allowed
his audience to look through pieces of thick timber, and other solid
bodies. He showed how simple it was to produce a halo of electric fire
about his head though he remained a distance of ten feet from the
apparatus. As he raised the two negative and positive poles to his head
the electricity passed through and out of the crown of his head in a
circle of flame. Then he compelled his machine to shoot jagged flashes
of lightning. Then, referring to the Bible account of the descent of the
Holy Ghost in a pillar of fire, he called for volunteers, and Thomas
MacKaye came forward onto the platform. He then placed two steel rods on
each side of him, and started his apparatus, when tiny sparks began to
jet off of Mr. MacKaye's clothing. Soon the sparks grew to curling
flames, and the man's entire body became as a mass of writhing blue and
white flame. Yet afterwards when he stepped from the platform not a
thread of his clothing was singed. Rev. Father Ruppert, at the close,
said: "Nothing I have ever seen has brought me to so fully understand
God's miracles."
These pantheistic devotees are even trying to make waves of ether, air
and water intelligible things, and seem to think they are in the nature
of a circulating medium for this world-God, like blood is the
circulating medium of man's body. Even so orthodox a scientist as Prof.
Serviss, in the New York American of May 16th, 1903, goes into
panegyrics over waves and wave motion as follows: "The undulatory theory
of energy is carrying everything before it. It is not saying too much to
aver that wave motion is concerned in nearly all the phenomena of
physical life.... Think for a moment of what is included in the science
of waves. In the air all sounds, all musical harmonies are waves; in the
solid globe, all earthquakes are waves; in the ether light, electricity
and heat are waves. It is waves that make the stars visible, and yet
more mysterious oscillations picture for us on photographic plates
marvelous nebulous objects. Lord Kelvin has been credited with the
statement that the fluttering of a butterfly's wing sets up vibrations
that shake the universe."
This is superficial science, for it explains nothing. Waves are simply
a form of motion, and a form of motion creates nothing. Vibrations of
what? Wave motions of what? Our learned friend does not inform us.
Vibrations and wave motions are like heat sensations, they are not
realities; the force that creates them is the reality, and they are but
the mode or law of operation. The reality--the force creating these
vibrations and wave motions--is electricity. Yet he does not mention
this fact or any cause, but gives all the credit to the motion or manner
of motion, and ignores the cause, which is the most important of all.
Mr. Titus seems to think motion has consciousness, for he states that,
"the consciousness which is wrapped up in motion" becomes more or less
active in matter, and that God sleeps in the atom, and man is a
potential deity.
These wonderful manifestations of electricity are used by these
pantheists to bolster up their theory of these being manifestations of
intelligence in nature. And so they are, but they should remember that
nature is the art of God, not God himself and God's art is wise and
perfect. We have a new definition of life given us which shows wonderful
intelligence in the various parts of man's body. It is by Prof. Justus
Gaule of Zurich. In the American Journal of Psychology, January, 1903.
He says: "The whole organism resembles a chemical laboratory with as
many apartments as there are organs or glands." As all chemical changes
are electric changes, a chemical laboratory is the same as an electric
laboratory. He continues: "The substances produced in each apartment
are those needed in others either for their construction or for their
work." According to him life consists partly in a continual process of
interchange and reconstruction, at times sufficiently violent to tear
muscles, mutilate nerves and cause stoppage of blood--a process that
goes on "in the interior of the organism without external excitement."
Herbert Spencer defines life as "the continuous adjustment of internal
relations to external relations," but Gaule's definition of life lays
stress on the vital interplay between the parts of the organism, which
makes it a machine transforming external energy. He asserts that the
living organism is more than a machine, because it does not create
energy directly from combustible materials, but only after building up
its own tissues.
He says a machine does work, but it does not create and repair itself
like living organisms. He would therefore modify the prevailing
definition of organic life, and make it not only a machine, but more
than a machine, and emphasize the fact that life is as much an
interaction between various parts of the organism as between the
organism and the world of exterior matter. He says one organ of the body
may lose in bulk, in order that others may increase. This he has studied
experimentally in the frog, and finds that at one time the organs of sex
grow at the expense of the muscles and liver, and at another time the
reverse is true, and he insists that "life is a continuous process of
reconstruction within the vital organism." This is an important addition
to the definition of life and tends to support the electric theory, for
every function of the body is adapted to generate the electric energy
needed for itself and other parts of its organism.
It is true that solid metals, wood and stones are in a constant state of
molecular motion. According to Sir Norman Lockyer, "the stones of which
St. Paul's Cathedral is built consist of millions of millions of small
particles called molecules, and although the structure seems absolutely
at rest, as if it would last forever; yet, when you get down into the
intimate structure of each stone and every part of the fabric, you get
nothing but a multitudinous ocean of motion." Now, Mr. Titus says,
"there is some inner hidden power which marshals and controls the
innumerable host of molecules in all matter and keeps them whirling with
tireless energy." This is true, and I fully agree with him. But he
thinks it is the world-God in the atoms; and I think it is electric
energy--working under the intelligent laws of the world-God, the sun-God
and the God of the universe.
All these pantheistic scientists have never considered the wonderful
powers and utilities of electric currents and electric energy which
permeates all matter, from atoms to worlds. When they do so, they will
see in electricity an intelligent and powerful causality which will
satisfy their minds and lead them away from pantheism and its follies.
They are great believers in evolution, and so am I, and what they
require in evolution is, "the inherent power of the evolving entity to
respond to external influences." This being the requisite, they have all
they ask in the magnetic currents and electric energy pervading all
nature. It is a fact that the human body contains millions of
microscopic organisms working under the dominion of one human life,
and, in other words, man is in his body a vast colony of microbes or
protozoans supposed to be endowed with consciousness and volition.
A battle in germland is described by Dr. Donald Ross in investigating
the microbes of malaria. This was a fight between a malaria microbe, and
three phagocytes which are said to protect the purity of the blood. He
says: "While observing a malaria germ I saw a phagocyte make its way to
the malaria germ with the intent of devouring it. Ordinarily this would
be easy, but the germ, instead of allowing itself to be attacked,
attacked the phagocyte in a battle royal that lasted over fifteen
minutes. Finally the germ drew off, and hurried to where another
phagocyte was wandering aimlessly.
"It hurled itself on the second phagocyte, pushing hard against it with
its arms, while the phagocyte tried to rear up and get around and
envelope the germ, but finally gave up and flattened itself against an
air bubble, while the germ still kept on pummeling it. After fifteen
minutes another phagocyte appeared coming rapidly across the field. The
germ then left its fallen foe and attacked the newcomer. The third
phagocyte got enough of it in about one minute and turned squarely
around, fleeing across the whole field, the germ hanging on like a snake
on a dog. After five minutes the germ let go and the phagocyte slunk
away. The malaria germ had by this time reached the limits of its
endurance in the rapidly weakening blood and finally attached itself to
the glass of the slide and died."
Few people can believe that such scenes as these may take place in the
life-giving blood currents of their own bodies. Yet, if we believe those
who have studied the millions of microscopic life forms which live in
our bodies, such scenes may occur there. According to biologists,
billions of microbes are generated in our bodies too infinitesimal to be
observed by a microscope. And they say their fermentation in countless
numbers produces a poison which creates irritation, the decrepitude of
age and finally death. They say visible microbes show intelligence.
Engleman seems to hold that such facts as these and those connected with
molecular organisms, "point to the presence of some psychic powers in
the protoplasm." But I do not think so. They only show the wonderful and
diversified powers of electric energy under divine law to evolve myriads
of microscopic life that acts under intelligent electric impulses, which
in its matured form we call animal instinct.
Thus we have traced conscious life from the dust out of which man's body
was formed up through all the intervening kingdoms of nature until we
reach man himself, who is the only creature that possesses a spiritual
nature, a psychic soul, and an immortal destiny.
From the grossest materialism man and human science is rising at last to
the truth and conception of a spiritual world of so exalted an order,
and so sublime a reality, that it has been said, "to connect the mind of
man with the Spirit of God."
All nature affirms that there is a Supreme intelligence working through
electric law within the manifest universe, which is its living electric
organism. That all physical law and life are bound together in an
all-embracing whole, whose myriad aspects serve to mark the path of
evolution, and to spur each individual member on to progress and
perfection. That through the whole realm of nature the one electric life
pulsates and stirs the smallest atom and the mightiest star. But above
all is the eternal power of Deity and the deathless spirit of man,
blended in a stronger unity than that of nature, linked in a joyous and
an eternal destiny, sovereigns of worlds, rulers of suns and masters of
the universe.
Because of the perfect unity and harmony of the universe, the wisdom and
regularity of all its movements and functions, and the apparent
intelligence of its lower living organisms, the agnostics embrace monism
and pantheism. But these are not good reasons. They are better explained
by the electrical theory of creation than by any other hypothesis ever
offered in human history. They show how and why this vast universe is a
perfect, harmonious organism, in accordance with natural law. This has
never been attempted before.
Nikola Tesla asserts most truly that "of all the views of nature, the
one which assumes one matter and one force, and a perfect uniformity
throughout, is the most scientific and the most liable to be true."
Electrical creation seems to fully comply with these requirements. And
Prof. Crookes affirms that, "the seventy elements of our text books are
not the pillars of Hercules which we must never hope to pass." While
Langley says there is only one force, and light and heat are merely
sensations. And Sir Wm. Grove refers the causation of all forms of
force to one omnipresent influence. And all agree there is only one
matter, so they all seem to be approaching a universal belief in
electrical creation. And every argument made for pantheism and monism is
an argument made for a stronger and better theory--the electric theory
of creation. And the champion of pantheism as well as the electric
theory affirms: "Since we are all bound together in one common
enterprise in which progress is hastened through the harmony of its
parts, altruism becomes profound wisdom, selfishness a mark of
ignorance, and the highest codes of ethics are the most scientific
expression of nature's laws."
The superior power of this age consists in its superior ability to deal
ingeniously and wisely with the tremendous forces concealed in matter,
and held subject to nature's law.
A knowledge and application of these forces and laws have been the means
of marvelous progress, untold blessings to humanity, and have lifted
life from its narrow bounds to a joyous, ecstatic sense of the glory,
beauty and divineness of this world. As the ancients saw this universe
it was but a small flat island in a large ocean. The vast expanse above
it of space and stars was a crystal vaulted roof, to keep the waters
above from the waters below. When it rained they said "the windows of
heaven were opened." This little, flat earth then rested on the
shoulders of Atlas, or the back of four elephants, who stood on a huge
tortoise. What a vastly different universe the people of modern times
behold! This little, flat earth has expanded into a great globe,
spinning through space fifty times faster than a bullet from a rifle;
and the blue vault of heaven that to them was the end of the universe
and a crystal wall to keep back the waters, has opened out, lifted up,
and broadened to an infinity of space containing countless suns and
worlds. Where their narrow view saw only wonders, miracles, and
innumerable myth-gods of superstition, we see the orderly processes of
nature proceeding under uniform laws, propelled by one fundamental
force--invisible electricity, and formed from one matter or
substance--the invisible atom. And this vast and complex universe is the
unveiling of the eternal thought of one Almighty Deity, and the
manifestations of His creative wisdom and power. Thus our earth becomes
a divine revelation and man a spiritual wonder. Then there is a vast and
mystic meaning in sea and land, in valley and mountain, in man and all
living creatures; and the day uttereth speech and the night showeth
knowledge. And all tell us God is in His heaven and in His earth, and in
man and in all His wonderful works, and is ever present in spirit and
electric power.
That He clothes the valleys with the verdure of prairie and forest, the
hills and mountains with beauty and grandeur, and peoples the land and
the sea with living creatures. He gives fragrance to the flowers, songs
to the birds, gladness to the sunshine and life and joy to all living.
In His infinite goodness He gives man vastly larger life and loftier
powers than all other earthly beings, so that they may not only wonder
and adore; but become co-workers with the Infinite, and understand and
execute His eternal purpose, and Omnipotent Will.
At last all thoughtful men are being brought face to face with that
creative electric energy controlled by Omniscient Spirit, which is felt
in the magnetic sunshine, seen in the falling rain, the dew-drops, the
white-robed lily, the blushing rose, and the joy and gladness of life
itself. But above all things else there is bestowed on humanity the
spiritual power and loving benediction of the Great Spiritual Father,
who spread out the heavens as a curtain, lifted up the mountains and
started suns and worlds on the eternal pathway of their inscrutable
destiny. We of this generation were born into a little narrow world only
six thousand years old, soon to be destroyed by fervent heat; a world
cursed by its maker, where the vast majority of its inhabitants were
doomed to eternal punishment. Where human slavery was practiced and
approved, where the divine right of kings, the degradation of the
masses, wars, dueling, ox teams and slow coaches predominated.
We now live in a world of electrical wonders, marvelous luxuries and
personal freedom, that has millions of years behind it and eternity
before it. Time enough to solve all problems, dispel all ignorance and
discover all truth.
Recent experiments by Prof. Goodspeed of the Pennsylvania University
prove that man is a magnet and electric organism which gives out an
aurora or light from his body so that cats, mice and other animals may
see him in the dark. He has also taken photographs from the electric
light or rays from the human hand. This was also done by French
scientists six years ago and is mentioned in "Invisible Light."
On May 26th, 1903, Prof. Percy Lowell, of Flagstaff Observatory,
Arizona, announced that a brilliant projection has been discovered on
the planet Mars, and was seen for thirty-five minutes. Some think it is
Mars signalling to us; others that it is a snow-capped mountain, or a
luminous cloud; but all agree that it shows Mars to be inhabited.
Prof. J. A. Fleming of the London University, seems to agree with my
conception of electricity. He also considers it as a refined matter and
the electron as the atom of electricity, in the "Popular Science
Monthly" of June, 1903. He asserts that: "The electron isolated presents
itself as electricity of the negative kind; and in combination with
co-electrons and other electrons it forms the atoms of ponderable
matter. At rest the electrons or co-electrons constitute an electric
charge, and when in motion it is an electric current.
"A steady flux or drift of electrons in one direction, and co-electrons
in an opposite direction, is a continuous electric current, while their
mere oscillation about a mean position is an alternating current. The
vibration of an electron, if sufficiently rapid, enables it to establish
electric waves in the ether; this is the cause or foundation of wireless
telegraphy. The electrons or atoms of electricity can, in some cases,
make their way, freely, between the atoms of ponderable matter. Where
this can take place easily, we call the material a good conductor.
Electrons in their free condition constitute electricity, and the
electrons are atoms of electricity."
These electrons and their currents of electricity, I contend, are the
creative cosmic force of the universe, evolving all visible form and
substance, and producing all light, heat, vital force and so called
gravitation.
Radium is one form of electricity or electrons in marvelous combination
and are said to have the power, first, of giving out light perpetually
without any exciting cause; second, to emit rays that penetrate solids
like X-rays; third, the property of acting on sensitized plates; fourth,
of causing air to conduct electricity; and fifth, the emission of heat.
Sir Oliver Lodge, in a May, 1893, London periodical, shows the advance
of science in recognizing the forces of nature and the dominion of mind
and spirit over the material world. He affirms that: "the whole effort
of civilization would be futile if we could not guide the powers of
nature. The powers are there, else we should be helpless; but life and
mind are outside of these powers and can direct them along an organized
course. And this same life or mind, as we know it, is accessible to
petition, to affection, to pity, to a multitude of non-physical
influences; and hence, indirectly the little plot of physical universe
which is now our temporary home has become amenable to truly spiritual
control." This sustains my contention that the spirit life of man is
outside of matter and material powers and can control and direct them.
This is truth, well spoken, and illustrates the electric theory, for the
powers of nature is the electric energy in nature, and this is guided,
and under the control of mind and spirit--the mind or spirit of man and
the omnipotent spirit of Deity. And the future will reveal the wonderful
controlling power of mind over matter through electric energy.
As the sun may send to each planet a different vibration or current of
wireless electricity, and each planet will receive only such current as
it attracts and to which it is attuned; so the message of Deity to the
souls of men will only reach and affect those souls which are attuned to
receive them. This in the vast realms of nature is the law of electric
or mutual attraction, and in the invisible realms of spirit the same
universal law applies. This great principle of mutual attraction,
receptivity and mutual adjustment governs everywhere in the universal
realms of nature and truth.
Rev. David J. Burrell, in his sermon on "Wireless Messages of God," sets
forth some strong scientific reasons why the natural man cannot discern
spiritual things. Under this universal law of mutual adjustment he says:
"If you strike a tuning fork keyed to middle C it will awaken a response
in another fork, provided the latter is keyed to the same pitch, but not
otherwise." And he applies it to men who respond to spiritual influences
and those who are spiritual non-conductors.
This is the basic fact in wireless telegraphy. At Cape Cod there is a
transmitting station consisting of four steel towers with a bunch of
wires suspended from the top and meeting at a common point like an
inverted cone. If the power be applied to the apex of this cone the
wires begin to tremble; and the current, oscillating at a rate say of
nine hundred thousand vibrations per second, creates a series of
corresponding vibrations in the ether, just as a stone cast into a lake
sends out concentric circles. This ether wave or message speeds outward
with incalculable rapidity in search of its receiver; and it will cross
the ocean to find it.
Now, there is such a receiver at Poldhu, in Cornwall, where the wires
are precisely attuned to the transmitter at Cape Cod; that is, their
vibrations are the same, say nine hundred thousand per second; so that
the message sent from Cape Cod meets no response until it finds its
sympathetic station at Poldhu, and this attracts and welcomes it.
Marconi's system of wireless telegraphy is not an invention, but a
discovery of a natural law or process which has been going on
continuously through all the realms of space since time began.
The sun as the great source and center of energy in our solar system is
constantly sending out messages of light and life to his family of
planets. It is a scientific fact clearly proven that a ray of light is
an electric wireless message from the sun to the earth, and it could not
be received unless the earth attracted it, and was attuned to it. For
here the same law prevails between sun and earth that no message can be
received except by some object which is sympathetically attuned to it.
Prof. Pupin suggests that a beam of light representing a certain number
of vibrations per second, intended to convey the color red, is sent
forth from the sun. It speeds through space until it reaches the earth;
where intent upon its eager quest it passes unresting through all the
meadows, since no grass-blade is adjusted to receive it; no daisy or
buttercup, no lily or heliotrope being disposed to welcome it; it passes
over all gardens until it finds a rose; and here it pauses and finds
welcome. Why? Because the rose has a natural affinity for it, and like
two lovers in mutual affection they meet and embrace each other, and are
blended in the harmonious union of nature's electric law of life,
growth and beauty. The same law of mutual attraction and wireless
telegraphy creates the lofty elm, the towering oak, the blade of grass
and the waving fields of golden grain in the Autumnal harvest.
Dr. Burrell makes an apt and beautiful illustration of these truths of
nature in their analogy to spiritual laws. He says: "This process which
has been discovered to be so prevalent in nature has infinite field and
scope of operation in the province of spiritual things. God as the great
transmitter of truth bears to the spiritual world a relation
corresponding to that of the sun in the natural world. Assuming that
there is a God, and that we are created in his image and after his
likeness, it follows as an inevitable conclusion that He will somehow
reveal himself to his children and hold converse with them. But here is
the application of the principal referred to: _The man who would hear
the wireless messages of God must Himself be attuned or adjusted to the
character of God._"
This is superlative truth that all wise men should consider and not have
occasion to lament, like Charles Darwin, at the close of his long life
of physical investigation, that he had starved his spiritual nature. For
our thoughts depend on our receptive natures and our lives are just what
we make them, and our future is according to our character and the
inscrutable laws of life and destiny.
O! the wisdom of the wisest; O! the goodness of the good!
Gleaning through the sweep of ages where Divinity hath stood,
Shining footprints of celestials, through the mystic gleaming bars,
Of the ever past and present speaking in the earth and stars.
How they teach the lofty spirit of the beautiful Beyond,
Of God's uttered truth and goodness, if but yearning souls respond.
* * * * *
WHAT IS SAID OF
CITIES OF THE SUN
By GEORGE WOODWARD WARDER
"You have struck out on original and alluring lines of thought and
investigation in which you stand alone. It must be a thrilling sensation
to blaze a new trail for the coming march of men. The great highways of
present knowledge were once obscure and hidden paths."--_Lord
Salisbury._
"He has the scientific knowledge of Flammarion combined with the fancy
of Jules Verne."--_Nicola Tesla._
"I am reading with much interest your remarkable book. I am deeply
interested and profited by its study. It is grand, cheering,
helpful."--_Rev. Dr. R. S. MacArthur._
"Your book has impressed me very greatly for its learning, research and
intellectual force."--_Gen. John W. Noble_ (_Ex-Secretary of the
Interior._)
"Its arguments are carefully worked up on scientific lines and it is
interesting reading from cover to cover."--_New York Tribune._
"Few writers have ventured such boldly frank opinions. His style is
polished and sometimes brilliant, while his thoughts are presented with
lucid directness."--_N. Y. Evening Telegram._
"It is a fascinating work which goes intelligently and with scientific
plausibility into speculations concerning the destinies of Men and the
Universe."--_The New York World._
"So much has been accomplished by electricity in the last few years that
no person can come forward and say with reason that the electric theory
of Col. Warder is not correct."--_Denver Republican._
"Your books are intensely interesting and instructive. I accept their
theories and believe they will finally prevail and revolutionize
scientific thought. Have read them three times."--_Dr. L. M. Taylor_
(_Scientist, Washington, D. C._).
"I know no greater favor that I can bestow on my friends than to present
them your book, 'The Cities of the Sun.' It will give them new thoughts
and teach them to think. Send me fifty volumes to-morrow."--_Col. Henry
H. Adams, 177 Broadway, New York._
12mo. Cloth Bound, $1.50
WHAT IS SAID OF
INVISIBLE LIGHT
By GEORGE WOODWARD WARDER
"Col. Warder's book has attracted gratifying attention among literary
and scientific people. His theory of electrical creation has been fully
discussed and approved by many scientific men, and his new publication,
'Invisible Light,' will give the critics and scientists something new to
puzzle over."--_The Kansas City World._
"Perhaps no writer on a scientific subject has quite equaled Col. Warder
in boldness of treatment, and characteristic imagery of presentment. He
repudiates the law of gravity, and adopts electricity as the evolving
force in Creation, and proclaims the sun to be inhabited."--_The Kansas
City Journal._
"If he fails to break up the existing scientific theories it will not be
his fault. We have read his work with interest, and whatever the opinion
of scientific critics the fact remains that it contains ample and
original food for thought."--_Atlanta Constitution._
"He claims electricity is the medium and agency of Creative power in the
evolution of the universe. That the sun is inhabitable, and the
spiritual center and promised heaven of the Solar System. The reader
will be forced to admit that he furnishes good proof for all his
assertions."--_The Kansas City Mail._
"He holds there are only three elemental substances in nature, spirit,
electricity and matter. Matter is controlled by electricity and
electricity is controlled by spirit intelligence. That in discovering
electricity man has found the working force of Deity, and uses it in all
fields of human effort. The arguments are convincing, and the book
attractive and entertaining."--_The Kansas City Star._
"He presents the most advanced theories concerning modern science, and
claims they are not antagonistic to the Mosaic Scriptures. Every page
abounds with polished diction and glowing imagery, and his thoughts are
equal to the best of the world's greatest thinkers."--_The Chillicothe
Constitution._
"You have rendered a service to the world by affording so much food for
thought, and directing attention to the important subjects of which you
treat."--_Col. F. F. Hilder_ (_Bureau Ethnology, Washington, D. C._).
"The book is the best exposition of the physics and metaphysics of the
universe I have ever read."--_Wm. C. Boteler, M.D., Editor and Prop.
North American Medical Journal._
12mo, Cloth Bound, $1.50