the objective faculties is that of constant activity. This activity, under ordinary conditions, entails no loss of vital power on the part of the sleeper. On the contrary, that is the period of his rest and the means of his recuperation. If the activities of his subjective mind are directed into pleasant channels, his bodily rest is perfect, and his recuperation complete. It is for this reason that the method of healing during sleep is better for all concerned than any other system of mental healing yet discovered. It follows the lines of nature, in that it employs the subjective powers at a time when they are normally active; and it employs them in such a way that the ordinary peripheral impressions, which often disturb the sleeper and produce unpleasant dreams, are overcome by a more potent suggestion. Any other method of mental healing, where the subjective powers of the healer are called into action, entails a certain loss of vital power on his part, for the simple reason that subjective activity during waking moments is abnormal. It is true that when the work is not carried to excess the physical exhaustion may not be perceptible; but any Christian scientist will testify that any great amount of effort in the line of his work produces great physical exhaustion. And it is noticeable that this exhaustion ensues in exact proportion to the success of his treatment. This success being in proportion to the subjective power exerted, it is reasonable to infer that subjective activity during waking hours and physical exhaustion bear to each other the relation of cause and effect. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 34: John ix. 6.] [Illustration] CHAPTER XV. THE PHENOMENA OF SPIRITISM. If a Man die, shall he live again?--The Problem not solved by Spiritistic Phenomena.--The Phenomena admitted.--Their Supernatural Origin denied.--Explained by the Hypothesis.--Subsidiary Hypothesis.--An Intelligent Dynamic Force.--Its Characteristics.--Limited by Medium's Intelligence.--It is controlled by Suggestion.--Phenomena fail in Presence of Scepticism.--Reasons.--Mediumistic Frauds.--The Primary Lesson in Spiritistic Investigation.--Mediums not necessarily dishonest.--Their Honest Belief in the Phenomena.--Suggestion explains all.--Illustrations from Hypnotism.--Convincing Character of Alleged Communications.--Telepathic Explanations.--General Conclusions.