An answer to these questions would cut the Gordian knot. While _science_ stands on the very confines of a spiritual world, and points across the boundary, why should we fear to look in that direction, or spurn the guidance of that _faith_ which would lead us to higher truths. It may not be out of place to mention a few of the leading faculties of the mind, to show its independence. _Consciousness_, that is, the knowledge which the mind has of its own operations. _Perception_, or the evidence we have of external objects by our senses. _Memory_, which implies a former conscious experience, its retention, revival and recognition. _Imagination_ is a term used to represent the power which the mind has of combining ideas previously received. In its highest degree, imagination rises to the sphere of creative fancy, or poetic power. {208} _Judgment_ is the decision of the mind, the result of comparing two or more ideas. _Conscience_, sometimes called the moral sense, is that faculty by which we have ideas of right and wrong respecting actions, and corresponding feelings of approbation or disapprobation. It might, also, be claimed the faith faculty. It brings us into relation with the spiritual world and the claims of God and duty. _Volition_, or choice, is the dominion exercised by the mind over itself, employing or withholding its faculties in any particular action. These are a few of the faculties which link the mind to the body and likewise show its independence. Thus far we have only considered the origin of life, as confirmatory of man's spiritual nature. There are, however, other themes which point as clearly to the same truth. The functions of the nervous system--sensation and voluntary motion--cannot be explained by any other theory. The nerve-structure only implies a capability of reception and transmission. In other words, it is the telegraph system that conveys intelligence to, and transmits the wishes of the immortal soul. It is true that the active exertions of the power of the soul require a corresponding health in the bodily organs, since the most accomplished artisan cannot exhibit his full powers with imperfect tools and materials; yet, as the injury or destruction of the implement is no proof of the death of the artisan, so the injury or destruction of the body destroys not the soul.