“At your request I am to give you from time to time, as we have opportunity, an account of the successive steps of our development, and I would like to say at the start that there will be one great difference between what I am to tell you and the rambling talk with which we began our happy acquaintance. Then I gave you a few facts to show our present condition, without intimating that there was any higher force at work than a natural desire in us to make the most of ourselves, and treat our neighbors well. Now, since I have discovered that you can enter into my feelings to a greater or less extent, I shall not hesitate to refer to its true source all that has helped us attain to our present condition, and all that is urging us on to a still higher state.” “We shall he very glad to know what you consider the spring of all the vast improvement in your race,” I remarked. “I did not use the word ‘consider,’” replied Thorwald. “That would imply doubt where there is none. It is established beyond controversy that both our material and spiritual development have come only through the personal love and care of God for the creatures whom he has made, exhibited through all our history, but especially through the sending of his Son.” “Some on the earth recognize the same truth in reference to our race,” I said. “But, in general, people do not think much of such things, or if they think they do not say much. In fact, religious subjects are not as a rule popular in conversation.” “Why, what reason can there be for that?” Thorwald inquired with eager interest. “Oh, there is too much indifference in the matter,” I replied. “I suppose most men do not think their relations to their Maker important enough to give them any concern. And even the best among us shrink from urging their opinions on others, partly because they know they are not perfect examples themselves, and also from the feeling that their friends are intelligent beings and ought to know, as well as they do, what is best for them.” “Oh, then, my dear Doctor,” said Thorwald, “I perceive that I have committed a breach of etiquette in forcing this subject upon you, and in asking you to put yourself in the way of receiving spiritual impressions.” “In the circumstances, I think you are excusable,” replied the doctor; “and, besides, I believe I introduced the topic.”