46 THE LESSON OF EVOLUTION 



earth for some special purpose ; and it appears that 

 that purpose can only be attained by the exercise of 

 his free-will. This being so, we infer that human 

 beings have been formed to educate the mind and' 

 fit it for a future spiritual existence, unconnected with 

 the material earth. 



No doubt we are at present merely at the com- 

 mencement of our researches in Natural Philosophy ; 

 and, during the coming century, we may look forward 

 to great advances in knowledge. But, in my opinion, 

 we can never know more than we do now about the 

 future immaterial life, and with that knowledge we 

 must be content. 



