141 
real, but is the most essential being, the sine-qud-non of the uni- 
verse. It precedes the conditioned, — it has no embodiment 
any more than the Absolute has. , 
So, again, Consciousness may be, and often is, conditioned • 
but it must be previously conceived of as unconditioned ; or else 
there is intellectual confusion again; and that too in the case 
of finite consciousness. For the term “ finite ” cannot be said 
to “ condition ” the consciousness, in any other sense than that 
in which every act of the Eternal Himself is distinct as an act. 
And the same is to be said of Life, Force, and some kinds of 
Energy also, without some of which the Law of Continuity would 
describe mere sequences, and be a chain of sand which, indeed 
some of the recent arguments for Miracles would make* it. 
81. If indeed the “ general belief of Christians,” which is 
somewhat relied on by our authors, be fairly consulted, it will be 
found that a true Law of Continuity, both morally and spiri- 
tually, is vital to us. According to the usual interpretations of 
Christendom, there is a law of corporate continuity pervading 
all the ‘'new creation in Christ”; and whatever may be said 
of Life, Forces, or Energies, or the transmutations of energies, 
or even “ luminiferous bridges,” in the Natural order of thin^s^ 
may have its parallel (as P. Ventura says) in the order°of 
Grace, and in the Hierarchy of the “ Kingdom that cannot be 
moved.” 
It will be an auspicious day for Theological Science in Eng- 
land, when such minds as our authors’ are vigorously turned to 
this whole subject, with the resolute conviction that we are not to 
be shut up to hopeless intellectual confusion,” as to the highest 
problems of thought and being.— It is to this they now are 
challenged.* 
The Chairman.— I am sure our thanks are due to Dr. Irons for his 
exceedingly interesting paper. After the reading of a communication from 
the authors of “ The Unseen Universe,” it will be open for those present 
to offer remarks. 
The Hon. Secretary then read the following communication : 
As the subject of discussion is one in which we take a great interest, we 
may be allowed to say that we are not quite sure the point of view of the 
authors of “ The Unseen Universe ” has been rendered sufficiently clear. 
* VT th f 1 Sl A ieCtS “ Life ” “ P° wer ,” and “Force,” I would refer to 
V °l- Y of ™ e . Transactions of the Victoria Institute, p. 304, and Vol. IX. 
p. oGG(in which Crystallization also is noticed). And I may further add, 
o . V 1. p. 14o, where what is said on the human brain, and on the 
muscular and nervous systems, may be compared with our authors’ views of 
J hysical Memory. 
