A SPIRITUAL BEING

 

A clear comprehension of the philosophy of Spiritualism requires a precise statement of the fundamental principles of its modern, as distinguished from its ancient form.

 

First, let it be received, without equivocal meaning that the physical body is formed of physical matter, the spiritual being is evolved from spiritual substance and forces. These forces are not conscious. What lies back of them we know not. If there is a universal consciousness, we can not compare our limited perceptions with it. The union and individualization in the spirit gives results which may be vainly looked for in the sources from which it is derived. In illustration, the union of an acid with an alkali produces a product unlike either. Must we say that the small portions we thus unite are greater than the whole because new properties are acquired? The result of all forces and substances, concentrated in an individual, produces that complexity we call a spirit. As such it did not exist before.