THE IMMORTALITY OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT. 65 



©very steam engine that we see in motion is therefore but the realiza- 

 tion of an idea — is but a proof of the immortality of the soul. We 

 have in truth no such proof as this to offer on behalf of the existence 

 of matter ; matter cannot impress any power upon a single atom 

 independent of mind, and we cannot by any means produce actual 

 contact between any body ; what we know of the qualities of matter 

 is not what we learn from contact, only from theories ; and although 

 it were absurd to argue with Berkley that we have no proof at all of 

 the existence of an external physical universe, it is quite true that 

 we have no such evidence to adduce in favour of the existence of 

 matter, as we are able to produce in favour of the existence of mind. 

 The mind cannot expire, but the body can die. Destructive agencies 

 cannot injure the soul ; you cannot bayonet a sentiment, stab an 

 idea, or murder an opinion. The first proof of the doctrine of the 

 immortality of the soul being true that we will mention, arises from 

 the attraction which the mind always feels in the contemplation of this 

 subject. It requires its attention to he forced to other themes, such 

 as logic, astronomy, or mathematics. No such compulsion is needed 

 for this : the mind is at home here : it is really its native air. With 

 each draught the soul is felt to be nourished. Like the peasant upon 

 his native hills, life is found to be inhaled with every breeze, till the 

 immortal spirit bounds again, and fancy and imagination finding free 

 scope, like the eagle, are enabled to soar to a lofty height, and gaze 

 upon the parent soul of the universe, as the bird of Jove with un- 

 dimmed vision is enabled boldly to gaze upon the sun. 



Another proof of the doctrine of the immortality of the soul being 

 true arises from the fact that the mind finds consolation in such 

 thoughts during seasons of privation and suffering, especially when 

 undergoing the anguish arising from the bereavement of friends 

 removed by death. It is from a consideration that the soul is im- 

 mortal that we derive the pleasing thought that we shall meet again 

 to part no more. It was this truly sublime consideration that com- 

 forted the mind of Cicero, when sorrowing for the removal by death 

 of a tenderly beloved daughter. He argued that no combination of 

 matter could produce thought, or emotion, or sentiment; conse- 

 quently he inferred that these principles were not material, but spi- 



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