"Learning that you are about having published a new book on the general subject of Modern Spiritualism, and that, in connection therewith, you propose to avail yourself of such writings of mine as were suggested by a careful study of its phenomenal facts during the early days of their occurrence; I write now to say that, so far from having any objections to such a design, I acquiesce promptly and thoroughly in your request. "Furthermore, if any letters of mine, either of a public or private character, can be of service to you, you need not, as a suggestion of delicacy, withhold my name. What is truth to me, I utter, if the occasion seems to call for its expression. "It has occurred to me, in this connection, that some thoughts of my maturer years, which have quite recently passed through my mind, may be pertinent to the general subject. "Without being censorious, and desiring to keep strictly within the bounds of propriety, allow me to say that I have noted a marked tendency, especially in these latter years, of a more general atheistic quality in public thought upon the general subjects which lie at the base of all human religious belief. "I might, perhaps, italicize what I refer to, as a near approach to a positive unbelief, in most grades of modern intellects; from the most gifted to those lower strata which take their initial thoughts from their superiors. "Now it seems to me on reflection, during a long season when my thoughts have been almost my only companions, that the cause of all this general declension or 'eclipse of faith' is, that Science has taught too much, _unless it teaches more_! "I would rather phrase it, however (for the emendation is a better solution), that the true teachings of science have not been followed out to their ultimates. "Now, to my apprehension, this is a most grievous error, and was well expressed by the poet who penned the lines, 'Oh, star-eyed Science! hast thou wandered there To bring us back the tidings of Despair?' "Science has, as I apprehend it--and I would not be erroneous in my judgment, nor willingly harsh--generally impressed the intellects of its votaries in such a manner as to lead them intellectually to find _nothing beyond the elemental matter of the Universe as their eyes behold it_. Exceptions there have been, and are, to this general charge; but they are rare. To refer in especial to the fact stated (without being ungenerously personal), I may add that the acknowledged highest and most accomplished medical authority in New York to-day (so I am informed) hesitates not to aver, as his best and highest conviction, that when a human body is thoroughly dissected upon his table, he has shown to his class of students all _that was or is_ of the specimen of humanity, save the extinct principle of animal existence. "This is simply bald, blank atheism!