266. For the present we would only add that the principle, of the aid of which we have availed ourselves, is not a mere theological weapon, but will, we believe, ultimately prove a most powerful scientific auxiliary. Already we have used it in our endeavour to modify the most probable hypothesis which has been formed concerning the ultimate constitution of matter. The truth is, that science and religion neither are nor can be two fields of knowledge with no possible communication between them. Such a hypothesis is simply absurd. There is undoubtedly an avenue leading from the one to the other, but this avenue is through the unseen universe, and unfortunately it has been walled up and ticketed with ‘_No road this way_,’ professedly alike in the name of science at the one end, and in the name of religion at the other. We are in hopes that when this region of thought comes to be further examined it may lead to some common ground on which followers of science on the one hand, and of revealed religion on the other, may meet together and recognise each other’s claims without any sacrifice of the spirit of independence, or any diminution of self-respect. Entertaining these views we shall welcome with sincere pleasure any remarks or criticism on these speculations of ours, whether by the leaders of scientific thought or by those of religious inquiry. It must never be forgotten that, whether we take the scientific or the religious point of view, one great object of our life in the visible universe is obviously to _learn_; and that (as human beings are constituted) advance in learning necessarily implies a high purpose kept steadily before us, and a continuous and arduous pursuit. For, as we are told in the First Epistle of John, ‘This is the victory which overcometh the world, even our faith.’ Τῷ νικῶντι δώσω αὐτῷ φαγεῖν ἐκ τοῦ ξύλου τῆς ζωῆς ... Edinburgh University Press: THOMAS AND ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE, PRINTERS TO HER MAJESTY FOOTNOTES: [1] It will be seen from our last chapter that we have used by preference the word _Soul_ to represent that which survives death both in the righteous and the wicked. [2] See also Job xxi. 14, 15. [3] See _Westminster Sermons_, by the Rev. Charles Kingsley. [4] Wilkinson. [5] Wilkinson. [6] Exod. vi. 2. [7] Gen. xix. 12. [8] _Lectures on the Jewish Church._ [9] Dan. xii. 2. [10] Dan. xii. 13. [11] 2 Macc. vii. 14. [12] _Wars of the Jews_, II. viii. 14. [13] _Essays on some of the Peculiarities of the Christian Religion._ [14] _Phædrus_, quoted by Wilkinson. [15] _Chips from a German Workshop._ [16] 1 Cor. xv. 35. [17] Ps. cii. 25. [18] 2 Cor. iv. 18. [19] 2 Pet. iii. 10. [20] Rev. xx. 11. [21] See footnote to Art. 224. [22] John v. 30. [23] Gal. iv. 4. [24] John viii. 28. [25] See Professor Huxley’s Birmingham Lecture. [26] _Life and Writings of Swedenborg_ by William White.