THE LIGHT-RECORD OF THE PAST. 
223 
There is yet another cross-classification. “ Kinds of beneficent 
actions, positive and negative, may be shown to individuals inferior 
or unfortunate, or both.” Then there are beneficent actions usually 
small, but very "numerous, which benefit neither the inferior nor the 
unfortunate ; but “ actions which further the gratifications of 
persons around, and raise the tide of happiness in all.” 
Finally, in relation to beneficence generally, there “ comes action 
and re-action : (1) upon benefactor and dependents ; (2) immediate 
or remote effects of pleasure or pain ; and (3) effects on society at 
large as influencing its stability and its immediate and remote 
prosperity.” 
The analysis of this important chapter has extended to such 
proportions that it will be impossible to do more than glance at the 
titles of the chapters in each great division of Beneficence— 
Negative and Positive—and here and there give an appropriate 
illustration in the actual words of tlie Master, closing with his 
highest generalization—his latest outlook from an ethical stand¬ 
point—his message to his generation. 
(To be continued.) 
ON THE EXISTENCE IN SPACE OF A LIGrHT-KECORD 
OF THE PAST. 
BY W. JEROME HARRISON, F.G.S. 
The rays of light from the sun and other heavenly bodies strike 
upon the earth, and are reflected from the various objects upon it. 
Some of these reflected rays enter our eyes, and, falling upon the 
retina, inform the brain of the relations of surrounding matter. 
But of these rays by far the greater part pass outwards away from 
the earth, and they bear with them into space a record of the events 
which have occurred upon this planet. 
The velocity of a rifle bullet is about 1,500 feet per second when 
it leaves the gun’s mouth. If we imagine such a moving bullet to 
possess the senses of sight and of hearing, then it will see the flash of 
the discharge (for the velocity of light is 186,000 miles per second), 
but it will not hear the report (for the velocity of sound is only 
October, 1893. 
