15. I am under the impression that mind is at least as essential to the creation as matter. It seems to me inconceivable that the various elementary atoms of the chemist could come into existence, with their adaptation to produce the multiplicity of efficient combinations which they are capable of forming, without having been modified by one mind. The existence of adaptation, I think, proves the existence of mind. But even were these atoms to possess inherently the adaptation which they manifest, of what possible utility could be the variegated consequences thereof, were there no minds to perceive, appreciate, or enjoy them. The beauty of colour, the music of sound, the elegance of curves or angles, could have no existence were there no perception of them; since those attributes are in a great measure attached to objects by mind. Independently of mind, music is mere aerial vibration, colour mere superficial texture, or intestinal arrangement producing undulatory waves variously polarized, which are the proximate causes, which would be sterile, were there no mind to be actuated by them through appropriate organs. 16. Could the universe exist without mind, would not its existence be nugatory? 17. The following allegations seem to me no less true than the axioms of Euclid: 18. No evil can endure which any being has both the power and desire to remove. 19. Any result must ensue which any being has both power and desire to accomplish. 20. No rational being will strive by trial to ascertain that which he knows as well before as after trial. 21. If God be both omnipotent and omniscient, he can, of course, make his creatures exactly to suit his will and fancy, and foresee how they will fulfil the end for which they are created. Wherefore then subject them to probation to discover traits which by the premises he must thoroughly foreknow. 22. Is it not more consistent with divine goodness to infer that we are placed in this life for progressive improvement, and that there is no evil which can be avoided consistently with his enormous, though not unlimited, power? 23. Such an inference coincides with the communications recently received, from the spirits of departed friends, which it is the object of this publication to promulgate. 24. Unfortunately, human opinion is very much influenced by passion and prejudice. Hence in questions respecting property, we often find honest men differing as to what is just. So when any creed is associated with the hope of enjoying by its tenure a _better_, if not _exclusive_, pretension to eternal happiness and the favour of God, the sectarian by whom it may be held becomes honestly tenacious of its despotic supremacy over all others.