It has been asserted by men for whose opinion I
have a deep regard--notably by Sir William Barratt--
that psychical research is quite distinct from
religion. Certainly it is so, in the sense that a man
might be a very good psychical researcher but a very
bad man. But the results of psychical research, the
deductions which we may draw, and the lessons we may
learn, teach us of the continued life of the soul, of
the nature of that life, and of how it is influenced by
our conduct here. If this is distinct from religion, I
must confess that I do not understand the distinction.
To me it IS religion--the very essence of it. But
that does not mean that it will necessarily crystallise
into a new religion. Personally I trust that it
will not do so. Surely we are disunited enough
already? Rather would I see it the great unifying
force, the one provable thing connected with every
religion, Christian or non-Christian, forming the
common solid basis upon which each raises, if it must
needs raise, that separate system which appeals to the
varied types of mind. The Southern races will always
demand what is less austere than the North, the West
will always be more critical than the East. One cannot
shape all to a level conformity. But if the broad
premises which are guaranteed by this teaching from
beyond are accepted, then the human race has made a
great stride towards religious peace and unity. The
question which faces us, then, is how will this
influence bear upon the older organised religions and
philosophies which have influenced the actions of men.