The demand is everywhere for Knowledge of the soul. Facts there are in abundance, but how far these facts are _demonstrated_, so as to constitute a basis of exact science, and how to classify and systematize them, the average intelligence does not know. The Psychical Scientist claims to know, and undoubtedly does know, but he busies himself almost exclusively in gathering and verifying _more facts_. When asked by the average intelligence, "What does it all mean?"--the answer is, "Ah! there's the rub. _Wait!_ Some day we _may_ know." The simple fact is that the Scientist is bewildered, while the theologian and the dogmatist appeal to Faith without Knowledge, and invoke miracle as in all past times. Spiritualism has had its day and left an immense body of facts, while Mediumship and the dark circle are more often repudiated by intelligent professed Spiritualists. Satisfied as to conscious existence after death as a _fact_, they have learned how generally unreliable are many messages from departed friends, owing to conditions beyond their control; while the effect of surrender to so-called "spirit-control" contributes to neither health nor a well-balanced mind or character. Hypnotism maintains a precarious hold, simply through juggling with the words, "Suggestion" and "Hypnosis." The professional hypnotist, yielding as he must to the public fear and condemnation of Hypnotism, advocates _Just a little of it!_ under the false title "Suggestion," for the good it is claimed to do in such cases as the drink and drug habit. As though a little further _weakening of the will_, would ultimately tend to restore and strengthen it! One is reminded of the baby in "Pendennis." The Mother "hoped the Lord would forgive her, because it was such a little one!" Even the leaders in the "Emmanuel Movement" have deceived themselves by this sophistry, and while they applaud the temporary results, they seem unaware that they are still further weakening self-control and real character, by dominating the Will. It is thus that ignorance, confusion and unrest, like waves of ocean, ebb and flow in the great human tides. Through impatience and discouragement alone, many give up the quest for knowledge as hopeless, and while too well-balanced to drift into dissipation, they suffer from _ennui_ and become pessimistic. Real knowledge will not come all at once, like a vision, or a complete revelation. The first real Light that comes will be that of Faith, a term generally misunderstood and misused. Faith is the complete antithesis of blind dogma and superstition. It is born within the soul, and never imposed by outward authority enforced by fear. "Faith is the soul's _intuitive conviction_ of that which both reason and conscience approve." To give intellectual assent to belief in God is one thing; to be able to declare with light and warmth that uplifts and inspires, "_I know_ that my Redeemer liveth" is another thing entirely.