ces into food for mortals, it also produces
molecular vibration and charges the air with magnetism and electricity,
which we absorb without effort. In fact, there is a faint pleasure in
the absorption of this strength, when, in magnetic disturbances, there
is an unusual amount of immortal food. Should we try to resist it,
there would eventually be a greater pressure without than within, and
we should assimilate involuntarily. We are part of the intangible
universe, and can feel no hunger that is not instantly appeased,
neither can we ever more know thirst."

"Why," asked Cortlandt reverently, "did the angel with the sword of
flame drive Adam from the Tree of Life, since with his soul he had
received that which could never die?"

"That was part of the mercy of God," the shade replied; "for
immortality could be enjoyed but meagrely on earth, where natural
limitations are so abrupt. And know this, ye who are something of
chemists, that had Adam eaten of that substance called fruit, he would
have lived in the flesh to this day, and would have been of all men the
most unhappy."

"Will the Fountain of Youth ever be discovered?" asked Cortlandt.

"That substances exist," replied the spirit, "that render it impossible
for the germs of old age and decay to lodge in the body, I know; in
fact, it would be a break in the continuity and balance of Nature did
they not; but I believe their discovery will be coincident with
Christ's second visible advent on earth. You are, however, only on the
shore of the ocean of knowledge, and, by continuing to advance in
geometric ratio, will soon be able to retain your mortal bodies till
the average longevity exceeds Methuselah's; but, except for more
opportunities of doing good, or setting a longer example to your
fellows by your lives, where would be the gain?

"I now see how what appeared to me while I lived on earth insignificant
incidents, were the acts of God, and that what I thought injustice or
misfortune was but evidence of his wisdom and love; for we know that
not a sparrow falleth without God, and that the hairs of our heads are
numbered. Every act of kindness or unselfishness on my part, also,
stands out like a golden letter or a white stone, and gives me
unspeakable comfort. At the last judgment, and in eternity following,
we shall have very different but just as real bodies as those that we
possessed in the flesh. The dead at the last trump will rise clothed
in them, an