In the present “School of Natural Science,” this preparatory training constitutes the “Ethical Section.”
But above and beyond all the foregoing general considerations the “empirical facts” and the “circumstantial evidence,” if we know personally one who claims to have had the specific instruction, the personal experience, and to have made the scientific demonstration referred to and outlined in the problem, our opportunity for instruction, and for the application of tests for validity and reasonableness as to the whole problem, is exceedingly valuable.
This personal acquaintance may become the nearest possible criterion, short of our own personal experience, as to demonstration.
In previous chapters this phase of the subject has, perhaps, been sufficiently dwelt upon.
The Master may say, “I know; I have had the personal experience; I have demonstrated.”
The student may at last say, “I believe; I am convinced; I am satisfied.”
All through the foregoing pages the effort has continually been made to preserve clearly this distinction.
In tracing analogies through the history of the past, the conditions, premonitory, present, and subsequent to great world-movements have often been referred to.
Nothing is more common or more patent than the oft-repeated saying, “This is the age of science.” Any great movement that undertakes at the present day to deal with the deeper problems of individual and social life, must fit in and conform to the “spirit of the present age.”
To that platform it must appeal; in that language it must be addressed, and by such judgment and criterion must it stand or fall.