cern our nobler part-the mind or spirit-and the settlement of which must necessarily control the conduct of our lives: for Paul reasoned logically when he said, "If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die."

"No man hath seen God with his eyes at any time in this life," and so no one has seen an atom of matter.

It is not possible to demonstrate scientifically that the soul of man may have continued life after the death of the body.

But neither is it possible to demonstrate the contrary.

The defender of the atomic theory supports it, because he finds that it gives a sensible explanation and justification of a multitude of known phenomena, and is consistent with well ascertained "natural laws." In like manner the theory of the existence of God, and the reality of a future life, finds its justification in all that is now ascertained of the material universe, and of human life on this planet.

It is in strict harmony with all we know; while the opposite hypothesis introduces confusion, and may for that reason be held, scientifically, to be in the highest degree improbable-until at least some slight evidence for it shall be produced.

The book which follows was written for young

people, and I have used the direct and familiar address with which one naturally speaks to youth. But, as I have been unusually frank in this preface, I will here add that I hope to have for my readers not only young people, but some of mature years as well. There are, alas! very many men and women in these days whose faith is feeble and uncertain, a source of discomfort to them rather than of joy : to some such I hope my little book may prove helpful.

GOD AND THE FUTURE LIFE.

INTRODUCTION.

MY DEAR CHILDREN,-Some of you are now at the age when you are about to leave the hands of the pious mother who has carefully and lovingly instructed you in your Christian duties, and tried to fix you in correct habits of life. She has taught you that the Christian religion prescribes the true rule of living; that the practices it inculcates are necessary for the proper conduct of your life here, and for happy development in a life hereafter; that you should regard God as a loving Father, and his commands as the rule of your conduct.

As you emerge from the kindly shelter of her affections and enter upon the world, the first challenge you receive is a challenge of this faith which, as children, you have been accustomed to regard as not only sacred but undisputed. It has been a surprise to the elder of you to discover that the Christian