VI THE RELIGIOUS MISSION OF SORROW I. The consideration of Loyalty leads over to a new problem. "Tribulation" as a hindrance to religious insight. Reasons why this is the case, introduced by a statement regarding our experience of evil. The principle that "Evil ought to be altogether put out of existence" stated, and {xv} the reasons therefore indicated. Man as in intent a "destroyer of evil." Our natural interest in destructive prowess 215 II. Resulting situation in which religion seems to be placed. Religion appears (1) To presuppose as well as to experience a vast range of evils in the real world; (2) To depend upon the assurance that the ruling principle of the real world is good; and (3) To agree with morality in making use of the principle that "Evil ought to be altogether put out of existence." Resulting apparent dilemma: Religion seems either superfluous or else doomed to failure 219 III. Illustrations of the dilemma as it appears in practical life, and as a barrier in the way of the religious life. Need of an abstract statement of the dilemma as a means of discounting our emotional confusions 227 IV. Reconsideration of the principle that has led to the dilemma. Not all evils equally worthy of abolition. Idealised ills. Definition of Sorrow. The process and the results of idealisation. Creative synthesis vs. mere destruction. The winning over and conquest of ill. Strength of spirit involved in such creative synthesis, which, in its turn, is never passive, but always morally active. Suggestions toward a solution of the dilemma. Sorrow as a source of religious insight 232 V. A recent literary instance of such insight 241 VI. Summary and suggestion of possible results of such insight 250 {xvi} VII THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT AND THE INVISIBLE CHURCH I. The sense in which the religious objects are "superhuman" and "supernatural." Our present "form of consciousness" and the "form of consciousness" that belongs to the "Spirit" in the sense in which that term is here used 257 II. The Church, visible and invisible 272 III. The membership of the invisible church 282 IV. Communion with the invisible church 291 V. The Spiritual Gifts of the invisible church. Charity, Tolerance and Loyalty as the Fruits of the Spirit. The work of the invisible church 293