215 
27 (1) ). I do not know that I can better express my views on 
this point than by quoting from one of the works referred to in 
art. 28, which was published in 1875 under the title, Cambridge 
Mathematical Studies, and their Relation to Modern Physical 
Science. 
33. In page 92 of that work I have argued as follows : “ It 
was legitimate to assume the existence of an ether having the pro- 
perties of pressing, and of pressing proportionately to its density, 
provided it could be shown that these hypotheses were necessary for 
giving reasons for natural phenomena. Let it be assumed that this 
has been shown, or may be shown, by our system of philosophy, and 
that thus the pressure and variation of pressure of the ether may 
be proved to be realities. The question might then be asked, 
What account can be given of the agency concerned in this pressure 
and variability of pressure ? It is to be noticed that this is not a 
physical question : we have now (on the above assumption) passed 
the boundary of physics. It can, therefore, receive answer only by 
reference to metaphysical, or spiritual agency.” (These assertions 
are made on the ground that, as presumptive evidence has been 
given that the Newtonian physical philosophy is true (see art. 28), 
we may suppose all physical phenomena to be explainable on the 
hypothesis of a single ether, and consequently infer that there can 
be no phenomenal evidence of the existence of any other as a 
physical agent.) “ It seems to me not unreasonable to suppose, 
since we, as partaking of a spiritual nature, are endowed with 
power over the gross matter which constitutes our bodies, to move 
it at our will within prescribed limits, that there may be intelli- 
gent spiritual beings of another order, by whose conscious and 
immediate agency, exerted in fulfilment of their Maker’s will, the 
pressure of the ether, and the law of variation of its pressure, 
are maintained, that thereby it may perform its destined physical 
functions. This view is in conformity with the teaching of the 
Scriptures respecting angels, to whose ageney they uniformly ascribe 
what we call Nature’s operations, apparently because, as I have 
already said, it is inconceivable that there can be any production 
or event apart from the purpose and consciousness of an operator.” 
May we not in this sense interpret the text, “ He maketh His 
angels spirits and His ministers a flame office”? (Heb. i. 7). 
According to St. Paul’s preaching to the Athenians, we possess 
the power of moving the body by reason of union with our Creator, 
for he asserts that “ in Him we live, and move, and have our 
being” (Acts xvii. 28). So also the power of angels is condi- 
tioned and derived, and what is done by angelic agency is done by 
God Himself. The foregoing argument may be taken to be the 
sequel of that which was begun in art. 21. 
