MODERN MYSTICISM AND MODERN SCIENCE. 



IN after times, when the characteristics of this century shall 

 have been reflected upon and chronicled, the mystic tend- 

 encies of it will assuredly not be forgotten. Not that prone- 

 ness to mysticism is any novelty, seeing that under one form 

 or another it has ever existed ; but the curiosity in regard to 

 modern mysticism is, that it has co-existed with the march 

 of scientific discovery. Modern mystics even arrogate to 

 themselves the character of scientific men, claiming for their 

 revelations the dignity of science. 



It is important for this pretence to be considered; that 

 the truth or falsehood of it should be made apparent. Science, 

 in its largest sense, is, after all, no more than experience 

 acquired by such means of investigation as may be deemed 

 most void of fallacy. Mankind are not born into the world, 

 like beavers, impressed with the mere instinct of race, capable 

 of deriving no truth from the teachings of their ancestors. 

 To humanity a nobler privilege is given. 



We begin life, as to knowledge, at the point where our 

 ancestors left off; advancing thence to other goals for the 

 benefit of those to follow us. It is of importance that the 

 truths be winnowed from the fallacies of each successive age 

 otherwise seekers after truth in coming times will not know 

 where to begin or what to believe. 



The leading truths of science may be remembered, learned 

 by rote, and applied to common purposes, without bespeaking, 

 on the part of such as remember and apply them, the requi- 

 sitions necessary to constitute a scientific frame of mind. The 



