1875.] The Possibility of a Future Life. 479 
theological discussion, but it does seem to us that the 
authors, in surrendering the Fall of Man, have rendered a 
very questionable service to Christianity. This is a snare 
into which reconcilers are very apt to fall. They look atten- 
tively at the two theories, interests, parties, or the like which 
they would fain bring into accord. As they gaze the diffi- 
culties seem to vanish, and with a sincere Eureka, they turn 
to inform the world of their success. When, lo! it is found 
that they have harmonised, not what actually exists, but 
two creations of their own. They have made the boot fit the 
foot by liberally trimming and cutting both one and the 
other! ; 
The immediate purpose of the work before us may be 
learned from its second title, ‘‘ Physical Speculations ona 
Future State.” The authors seek to show that immortality 
—a new life after the phenomenon known as death—is not 
impossible, and is not contradictory to, but rather in harmony 
with, the law of continuity. They declare that the “ great 
mass of mankind have always believed in some fashion in 
the immortality of the soul; but it is certain that we may 
yet find disbelievers in this doctrine who yet retain the 
nobler attributes of humanity.” The strength of this dis- 
believing minority they consider “has of late years greatly 
increased, until at the present moment it numbers in its 
ranks not a few of the most intelligent, the most earnest, 
and the most virtuous of men.” To these accordingly they 
address themselves in the opinion that they are probably 
*‘unwilling disbelievers, compelled by the working of their 
intellects to abandon the desire of their hearts only after 
many struggles and much bitterness of spirit.” Now we 
cannot, certainly, conceive the man or woman who does not 
crave for a further life, even for immortality. 
Annihilation has no charms. We have read the ‘‘ Logic 
of Death” of a celebrated sceptical writer, but it satisfies 
no one.* Yet even annihilation may not be the greatest con- 
ceivable evil. Our authors must know that many of the 
class for whom they write have been driven to the rejection 
of a future life less by the working of their intellect than 
by the revolt of their moral faculties. Such men,—we 
expound here without advocating their opinions,—much as 
they may shrink from an utter extinction of consciousness, 
* “The Martyrdom of Man,” by the late Mr. Winwood Reade, another 
book which seeks to reconcile man to the prospect of the utter and final cessa- 
tion of consciousness at the moment of death, we must unhesitatingly declare 
one of the saddest works ever written. 
VOL. V. (N.S.) 2°P 
